HL Deb 11 July 1996 vol 574 c34WA
The Viscount of Oxfuird

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When shortlisted bidders will be announced for the sale of the Recruitment and Assessment Services (RAS).

Earl Howe

On 23rd November last year, the Government announced their intention to sell the Recruitment and Assessment Services (RAS) as a single viable business in a way which would ensure that it retained its reputation for the provision of high quality recruitment services to government departments and the wider public sector while allowing it to benefit from the freedom and opportunities to be gained outside the constraints of operating within government.

A large number of expressions of interest were received following the advertisement of the sale in January this year. A final shortlist of three has now been selected. Those being invited to submit final bids are:

  • The Capita Group plc
  • NFER-NELSON Publishing Company Ltd.
  • Saville and Holdsworth Ltd.

The Government believe that this shortlist will lead to final bids which maximise the prospects of securing good long-term value for money for the taxpayer and customers while meeting the objectives set for the sale of the business.