§ Mr. LawsTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many permanent staff worked for his Department and its agencies in each year from 1996–97 to 2003–04 (planned); what the reasons are underlying changes in staff numbers; and if he will make a statement. [97348]
§ Mr. McCartneyInformation on the number of permanent staff working for the Department for Work and Pensions is in the table.
Figures for the Department for Work and Pensions are shown for 30 June 2001 when the Department was formed and 31 March 2002. There was a planned and managed increase in staffing levels in certain parts of the Department in 2001–02. Staffing was increased because of the modernisation agenda, in particular relating to the introduction of Child Support Reforms and the establishment of The Pension Service.
The information for the years March 1996 to March 2001 show the figures for permanent staff in the Department of Social Security and the Employment Service.
Profiles for staffing levels for 2003–04 are still being developed.
Department for Work and Pensions 30 June 2001 126,069 31 March 2002 133,553
Department of Social Security Employment Service Total 31 March 1996 94,932 41,156 136,088 31 March 1997 98,917 34,174 133,091 31 March 1998 94,886 33,528 128,414 31 March 1999 97,056 35,430 132,486 31 March 2000 91,173 35,299 126,472 31 March 2001 89,774 36,930 126,704 Notes:
Figures are consistent with Cabinet Office definitions other than the inclusion of staff on paid maternity leave.
The figures are based on headcount (staff in post) and are point in time at the dates shown