§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what estimate he has made of the number of 437W cases being assessed under the existing Child Support Agency formula where his proposed arrangements for phasing to assessment under the new formula, when implemented, will involve a transitional period of (a) one year, (b) two years, (c) three years, (d) four years and (e) five years or more; and if he will estimate the number of cases where the transition is likely to be immediate. [99729]
§ Malcolm WicksThe information is contained in the following table.
Year Percentage of cases due to pay full new scheme liability Immediate effect 18 By start of year 2 69 By start of year 3 78 By start of year 4 84 By start of year 5 89 By start of year 6 1100 1 This figure will include a small group of cases where the final step in the move to the new scheme liability will be greater than any of the steps in earlier years. Notes:
1. These figures are based on data from August 2001, and represent the position on the day of the scan.
2. Based on a 5 per cent. scan of CSCS, and therefore may be subject to sampling error.
3. The figures are for open and live cases with a full maintenance assessment.
4. This table includes all cases which will be phased. This may be for amounts higher or lower than they are already paying.
§ Dr. MurrisonTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the(a) prevalence and (b) causes of occupational stress in the (i) Child Support Agency and (ii) Benefits Agency. [93664]
§ Mr. Nicholas BrownOur information identifies that between April 2003 and December 2003:
- (i) 9 per cent. of absenteeism was caused by stress syndrome in the Child Support agency; and
- (ii) 10 per cent. of absenteeism was caused by stress syndrome in Jobcentre Plus.
Individuals do not generally say whether the cause of their stress is work related or home related. Our Employee Assistance Providers suggest that it is generally a combination of both.