§ Mr. MackinlayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will review the variation of the contract of employment of Metropolitan Police Security Officers stationed at the House in relation to their compulsory retirement age; what consultations took place prior to the change; and if he will make a statement. [123274]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeThe Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis tells me that the contractual age of retirement for all civilian staff remains 60, with any extension of service beyond that age being granted at his discretion. The criteria for extension are set out in the Civil Staff Personnel Manual.
In recent years, some extensions have been made, to help with recruitment difficulties. These have now been overcome and, in order to give staff the maximum opportunity to look for fresh employment after they reach 60, they have been given some six months' notice that no extensions will be expected to be granted from this October. The Security Officers' manager discussed this with their Trade Union representatives before they were notified.