§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many cases of work-related stress have been reported in his Department; how much compensation has been paid to employees; how many work days have been lost due to work-related stress, and at what cost; what procedures have been put in place to reduce work-related stress, and at what cost, in each of the last three years; and if he will make a statement. [35934]
§ Dr. WhiteheadThe number of alleged cases identified as work related stress over the last three years in my Department are:
Number 1998–99 13 1999–2000 20 2000–01 39 There have been two cases, which were the subject of a stress-related claim against the Department; both are now closed, as the cases were unproven. No compensation has been paid to date for claims of work related stress. The Department does not have details of the days lost and associated cost for work related stress absence.
The Department has a Stress at Work policy in place, which is supported by practical guidance issued to all staff on dealing with the issue. DTLR is committed to meeting the targets for reducing the number of working days lost due to work related injuries and ill health arising from the Government's Revitalising Health and Safety initiative.
The reply does not include the Department's agencies.
§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions how many people are employed in his Department on a job share contract; and what percentage of vacant positions was advertised on this basis in the last 12 months. [35351]
§ Dr. WhiteheadThe information is not held centrally and can be provided only at disproportionate cost.
§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport, Local Government and the Regions what assessment has been made of the effect of the Working Time Directive on his Department's employees; how many employees are working in excess of 48 hours per week; what steps he is taking to reduce this number; and if he will make a statement. [35882]
§ Dr. WhiteheadThere are currently 33 members of DTLR (C) staff (out of 3,532 as at 1 January 2002) who have signed agreements to disapply the 48 hour per week working hours limit.
Officials are currently involved in assessing the effect of the Working Time Regulations on my Department's staff. In addition, my Department is carrying out a staff survey, part of which focuses on work loads/stress etc. The results from these two surveys will inform the discussion on any action that may be appropriate.
The reply does not include the Department's agencies.