§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many females occupy senior officer positions in the Employment Service in Wales(a) in total and (b) as a percentage of all such posts.
§ Mr. Michael ForsythResponsibility for the subject of the questions has been delegated to the Employment Service Agency under its chief executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.
Letter from M. E. G. Fogden to Mr. Barry Jones, dated 14 March 1994:
The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about the numbers of women occupying senior officer positions in the Employment Service in Wales.There are nine posts at Grade 7 level and above in the Employment Service in Wales, one of which is filled by a woman. This represents 11 per cent of the total.You will wish to know the Employment Service in Wales, along with Employment Service nationally, aims to be an Equal Opportunities employer.We have produced an Equal Opportunities Policy, signed by my Director in Wales and the Trade Union Side, which has been copied to all my people in the Principality.There is, too, a five year equal opportunities action plan which sets out targets for disabled, ethnic minority and women representation at various grades.Particular attention is paid to the development of those who work part-time, the majority of whom are women, as it has been recognised that alternative working patterns are a key element in the retention and development of a valuable, fully trained workforce.I hope this is helpful.