§ Angela EagleTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he plans to conclude a partnership agreement with the trade unions representing the staff in his Department. [117455]
§ Mr. BlunkettI can confirm that it is our intention to seek to work in partnership with recognised unions. In accordance with Cabinet Office guidance about the benefits of partnership working and related best practice different areas of the Home Office Group have decided for themselves how to develop their own partnership working arrangements.
A "voluntary" agreement between the Prison Service and the Prison Services Association/Prison Governors Association providing, among other things, the general principles for resolving disputes came into effect in May 2001.The Passport and Records Agency signed a partnership agreement with the Public and Commercial Services Union in May 2002.The Forensic Science Service has met Prospect and PCS to discuss the concept of partnership. Further discussions are planned.The National Probation Directorate (NPD) have a joint Staff Consultative Committee and a National Health and Safety Forum with the National Association of Probation Officers, Unison and GMB. NPD will be meeting with their three recognised unions in July to agree a protocol on how they will work together.Within the Non-Agency Home Office discussions are taking place with FDA, PCS and Prospect about the terms of a draft Industrial Relations Agreement.The Immigration and Nationality Directorate and the Immigration Service Union are discussing the terms of a draft "Working Together" agreement.