HC Deb 14 February 2002 vol 380 cc633-4W
Dr. Cable

To ask the President of the Council 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. [35932]

Mr. Robin Cook

No such cases have been reported in my Department. My Department recognises that it is obliged by law to provide a safe working environment for employees. It is committed to meeting targets for reducing the number of working days lost generally owing to work related injuries and illnesses arising from the Government's "Revitalising Health and Safety" initiative.

Dr. Cable

To ask the President of the Council 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. [35366]

Mr. Robin Cook

No-one is currently employed in my Department on a job-share basis. No vacant positions have been advertised on this basis in the last 12 months, although an application on a job-share basis would always be considered.

Dr. Cable

To ask the President of the Council what assessment has been made of the effect of the working time directive on his office'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. [35884]

Mr. Robin Cook

In my Department, the working time directive has implications chiefly for employees working directly in support of Ministers. Six private office staff have signed agreements enabling them to work in excess or 48 hours per week; this compares with 14 such staff a year ago. I have recently restructured my office so as to increase the level of clerical support, and this has reduced somewhat the average number of hours worked by private secretaries. Much long hours' working arises from the need to provide support for me in my responsibilities as Leader of the House. Any decision by the House to reform its own working arrangements would be likely to have a positive impact on the working hours of the staff concerned. The working arrangements in my office and in my Department generally are constantly under review. My Department is committed to keeping long hours working to an absolute minimum commensurate with operational needs, and to promoting a proper work/life balance for its employees.