§ Dr. CableTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment has been made of the effect of the working time directive on the 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 the will take a statement. [35885]
§ Mr. LeslieThe standard terms and conditions of service for staff employed by the Cabinet Office and its agencies are within the limits set by the working time regulations. Those employees whose duties require them to work in excess of 48 hours on a regular basis are asked to sign an opt-out agreement. 170 members of staff have signed such an agreement.
Persistent working in excess of 48 hours per week is discouraged. My Department is committed to reducing the number of employees who are required to work long hours (by adjusting working hours or re-designing jobs) to an absolute minimum commensurate with meeting their operational needs. Work/life balance policies are in place to give managers greater flexibility in reducing the number of excess hours worked.