§ Ms. RichardsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what measures he has implemented to ensure that recruitment and promotion policy in his Department does not directly or indirectly discriminate against applicants who were mature students or women returning to work following a career-break due to child care.
§ Mr. NichollsRecruitment to and promotion within my Department is conducted within the general guidance840W applying across the Civil Service. As an equal opportunities employer, the Department of Employment recruits and promotes staff solely on merit and implements policies that do not disadvantage any group. I am satisfied that no additional measures are needed to safeguard the position of mature students or women returning to work after a career break.