§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what measures have been taken to reorganise his Department's workload in accordance with the Working Time Directive; and if he will make a statement. [95399]
§ Mr. BattleThe Department constantly reviews its workload to take account of changing demands and priorities. Guidance issued to staff and managers requires line managers to re-prioritise the work on their staff to ensure that working hours comply fully with the Working Time Directive and Regulations.
§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many of his Department's staff are exempt from the Working Time Directive. [95401]
§ Mr. BattleAll staff are subject to the provisions of the Working Time Directive and Regulations.
§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been the cost to his Department to date of implementing the working time regulations; what additional paperwork has been required; and what checks are undertaken internally. [95403]
§ Mr. BattleNo additional financial costs have been incurred so far. Staff who have opted to waive their rights to a maximum 48 hour week are required to keep records of the hours they work. Guidance for staff and managers on the application of the Working Time Directive and Regulations have been circulated to staff. Line Managers are required to ensure that the working hours of their staff comply fully with the Working Time Directive and Regulations.