§ Mr. Wareingasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are his plans for implementing the recommendation of the joint review group on employment opportunities for women in the Civil Service relating to the provision of a job-sharing arrangement within Her Majesty's Customs and Excise; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. BrookeThe report of the joint review group on employment opportunities for women in the Civil Service was published in December 1982. Early in 1983 Customs and Excise issued a circular to all staff drawing attention to the report. Pending central discussions on the report between the Management and Personnel Office and the Council of Civil Service Unions, the Department has dealt on an ad hoc basis with requests for part-time working and job-sharing. At 1 March 1986, the Department had a total of 451 part-time employees. At clerical assistant, clerical officer and executive officer levels there are 77 staff who, at their own request, have changed from full-time to part-time working. Of these, 32 are in job-sharing partnerships (20 at executive officer level). In addition, there are three higher executive officers and one principal working part-time at their own request.
Agreed central guidance has now been issued to Departments and Customs and Excise has been examining its application to the Department, where 80 per cent. of the staff are employed locally on mainly operational duties. Draft proposals were sent to the Department trade union side on 17 March, and it is hoped that a detailed circular can be issued to all staff shortly.