HC Deb 14 October 1996 vol 282 c745W
Ms Abbott

To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland how many women from ethnic minorities are employed by his Department and its agencies; at what grade; and what measures he has taken to encourage the(a) recruitment, (b) employment and (c) promotion of women from ethnic minorities within his Department and its agencies. [39894]

Sir John Wheeler

Staff of the Northern Ireland Office (London) are monitored through the provision of information is voluntary.

Responses show that the following women from ethnic minorities are currently employed:

  • Grade 7: One
  • Executive Officer: Five
  • Administrative Officer: Two
  • Personal Secretary: One
  • Typist: Four
  • Administrative Assistant: Two.

The Northern Ireland Office has an equal opportunities policy of non-discrimination in recruitment and promotion on the grounds of race, sex, disability or political/religious beliefs.

Equal opportunities awareness training is given to all staff.

It is not possible to provide the information requested in respect of the Northern Ireland civil service. The Race Relations Act 1976 does not apply to Northern Ireland and the Northern Ireland civil service does not undertake ethnic monitoring of staff. However, the NICS equal opportunities policy embraces all staff and applicants for employment, including those who are members of ethnic minority groups.