§ Mr. GrieveTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the 2002 pay settlement for the National Probation Service will be implemented. [71631]
§ Mr. Hilary Benn[holding answer 19 July 2002]: The pay settlement for the National Probation Service is currently awaiting approval and an announcement is expected shortly.
§ Mr. GrieveTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many permanent posts have been frozen for budgetary reasons in the London probation area in 2002–03. [71630]
§ Mr. Hilary Benn[holding answer 19 July 2002]: There are 2,137 full time employees in the London Probation Area, 530 part-time employees, 89 on temporary contract and 80 agency staff. 69 new Trainee Probation Officers will be employed this financial year.
The London Probation Area is an amalgamation of the five former London Probation Boards. Against the previous establishment figures of the five Boards the amalgamated Area is holding vacancies of two hundred and forty-nine posts or approximately 10 per cent. of the old establishment figure.
The Area is presently working with the Unions and the National Probation Directorate to develop a workload measurement tool that will identify the staffing needs of the Area. It was understood early in the amalgamation process that there would be duplication of certain functions that would allow for reductions in staffing levels. The vacancies are being maintained until the workload measurement tool identifies the precise needs of the Area.