§ Mr. FearnTo ask the Secretary of State for Health if he has costed the financial implications of the reduction490W from 40 to 39 hours in the working week for National Health Service ancillary staff; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Mellor[holding answer 28 October 1988]: The reduction of one hour in the hours of the standard working week from 12 December was part of the settlement agreed for improvements in the pay and conditions of service of NHS ancillary staff for 1988–89. The agreement provides for hours actually worked by full-time staff to be reduced and for the change not to lead to increases in overtime working. There is a requirement for the reduction to be achieved at minimum cost and for agreements to be reached locally on the necessary changes in working arrangements. Precise costs will depend upon the outcome of these local agreements.