§ Dr. CableTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many employees in his office who regularly use computers have taken up the provision of a free eye test; and how this service is advertised to(a) current and (b) new staff. [36690]
§ Mr. LeslieThe Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992, effective January 1993, require employers to provide and pay for, upon request from an employee, an eye and eyesight test. There is a requirement for further tests at regular intervals; the optometrist doing the first test can recommend when the next one should be. In addition, employers must pay the cost of special spectacles required where normal ones cannot be used.
I can confirm that 127 staff who regularly use computers within the Cabinet Office have taken up the offer of a free eye test between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2001.
558WThe service is advertised to current staff on the Personnel website. This information is brought to the attention of new staff through the e-induction package which links in to the relevant Personnel website.