HC Deb 29 April 2002 vol 384 cc567-8W
Mr. Jenkins

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many members of staff at her Department are justices of the peace; and if she has a strategy for her Department to encourage members of staff to become justices of the peace. [44549]

Mr. Ivan Lewis

My Department does not hold this information centrally and could provide it only at disproportionate cost.

Section 50 of the Employment Rights Act (ERA) 1996 requires employers to allow their staff reasonable time off for public duties. The Civil Service Management Code (paragraph 9.2.5) also requires departments to allow time off for attendance required by section 50 of the ERA 1996. My Department demonstrates its support to employees who are justices of the peace by allowing them special leave with pay to perform the duties associated with their office.