§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what her policy is on overtime payments for staff in her Department. [49120]
§ Mr. MorleyIn the Department and its agencies the procedures set out below are followed with regard to overtime
Prior approval to work overtime must be obtained in all cases;Managers are asked to make every effort to avoid overtime working and, as far as possible, ensure that it occurs only at times of exceptional pressure of work;1068WWherever possible, volunteers are sough! and weekend overtime avoided;A 'long hours culture' is not encouraged nor are regular calls on particular groups of staff; andAs an alternative to payment, time off in lieu may be taken.Staff in the senior civil service, and those who do not work set conditioned hours, or whose pay already includes payment for working overtime, and fee paid staff are not eligible for overtime payments.