§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement concerning local government reorganisation and job security of council employees. [33496]
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesThe new authorities are responsible for deciding their staffing structures, including the number and grade of posts.
I wrote to the chairman of the Staff Commission for Wales in January, setting out our view that, in the first instance, it is for each new authority, in consultation with its predecessors, to decide which staff—over and above those covered by the TUPE regulations—should be transferred to it.
624WThe decisions which councils reach will be reflected in the staff transfer order. We aim to publish the order for consultation in November 1995.
This process should reassure staff who are covered by the order about their immediate future, but it is for the new councils to decide what security of employment they wish to offer them beyond April 1996.
§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales what discussions he has had with local government leaders concerning job security for employees when local government reorganisation takes place, and if he will make a statement. [33497]
§ Mr. Gwilym JonesMy right hon. Friend has had no such discussions since taking up his appointment.