HC Deb 08 May 2002 vol 385 c207W
Mr. Bercow

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the cost in 2001–02 was of the pay increase to staff in his Department, agencies and the non-departmental public bodies for which he is responsible; and what the cost of the forthcoming increase will be in 2002–03. [50411]

Mr. McCartney

In 2001–02 staff within the former Department of Social Security received an overall pay increase of 5.5 per cent., effective from 1 July 2001 and costing some £48.8 million. Recyclable paybill savings of 1.5 per cent. were used to partially fund the pay increase.

Staff within the former Employment Services Agency received an overall pay increase of 5.5 per cent., effective from 1 July 2002 and costing some £13.4 million. Recyclable paybill savings of 0.7 per cent. were used to partially fund the pay increase.

Non-departmental public bodies received pay increases in the range 2.5 per cent.- 6.25 per cent. with various settlement dates.

In 2002–03 there will be a single pay settlement for staff within the Department for Work and Pensions, effective from 1 July 2002. This is subject to negotiation with the trade unions side and details of the settlement are not yet available.