HC Deb 16 April 2002 vol 383 cc831-2W
Mr. Bercow

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what his policy is on overtime payments for staff in his Department. [49127]

Mr. Bradshaw

All staff below the Senior Management Structure (equivalent to Senior Civil Service Staff) qualify for overtime or time off in lieu if they are required to work more than their conditioned hours at times of exceptional pressure. We do not encourage staff to work long hours but aim to reward them fairly when they do. All overtime must be approved in advance. Diplomatic Service staff serving overseas are not paid overtime but may be given time off in lieu when they work excessive hours, at management discretion.