§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many employees in his Department 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. [36691]
§ Mr. Nicholas BrownCurrently different arrangements for testing eye health apply to staff employed in the former Department of Social Security and those employed in the Employment Service.
In May 2001 the Department of Social Security contracted with a company of ophthalmic opticians to provide staff with free eye tests at intervals of not less than two years. Between 1 May 2001 and 31 January 2002 (which is the latest month for which statistics are available) a total of 13,888 staff had their eyes tested under this contract. We estimate that by the end of the first year of the contract, on 30 April 2002, around 18,500 staff would have benefited from the service.
638WThe availability of free eye tests in the former Department of Social Security is publicised on the Department's "Intranet" computer system and was brought to the attention of staff through a circular which was distributed widely. New staff are provided with information about the service as part of the standard induction programme. In addition, local managers are required to nominate an eye care liaison officer whose responsibility is to publicise the availability of the service, using posters and leaflets, prior to an optician visiting an office of the Department.
The Employment Service (which was up to July 2001 part of the former Department for Education and Employment) does not have a contract with an external eye care specialist. Instead staff are able to arrange their own eye tests with an optician of their choice and to have the cost reimbursed. Between 1 April 2001 and 31 January 2002 a total of 2,030 staff had their eyes tested at the Agency's expense.
The Employment Service provides new staff with a "Workstation Guide" leaflet and a video entitled "In Your Own Interests" is shown to all staff. Both of these highlight the provision of eye tests. In addition, eye tests are covered in the Health and Safety Guide which is available on the Employment Service's computerised communication system. Work station assessment forms are also completed by staff at six monthly intervals or following a work station change. These too highlight the provision of eye tests.
We intend to gradually extend the provisions of the former Department of Social Security's contract to all staff in the Department for Work and Pensions from April 2002. This will mean that in future all staff should have the opportunity to have their eyes tested free of charge in their places of work.