HC Deb 28 March 2000 vol 347 cc120-1W
25. Mr. Watts

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what action he is taking to extend family friendly working practices in the NHS. [115174]

Mr. Denham

In 1999 the Government launched the Improving Working Lives campaign. Each region has appointed a Champion to lead a multi disciplinary task force to develop family friendly policies and identify and share good practice. They will pay particular attention to trusts with high levels of vacancies. A kitemarking system will be set up, so that National Health Service organisations that perform well can be recognised.

35. Mr. Drew

To ask the Secretary of State for Health if he will make a statement on progress made in introducing family friendly working practices in the NHS. [115184]

Mr. Denham

We have launched a £1 million Improving Working Lives campaign in the National Health Service. A similar budget has been agreed for 2000–01. Each region has set up a multi-disciplinary task force to share good practices. The task forces will support implementation of the Working Lives Standard and concentrate on those trusts with the most vacancies. In September 1999 Ministers launched a consultation exercise to develop a set of standards on good employment practices against which employers and their staff can measure themselves. Responses indicate general support from local NHS organisations, individuals and staff-side representatives. The re-drafted standards are currently out for consultation.

Last year's national recruitment campaign attracted over 5,000 former nurses back to the NHS, and 60 per cent. of those returning have taken up part-time posts, proving that NHS employers are becoming more flexible and family friendly.