§ Paul Holmes: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what consultation he has conducted with (a) staff, (b) unions,(c) management and (d) senior management within his Department on planned redundancies and redeployment of staff over the next four years; whether he plans to have further discussions with these groups on this matter; and if he will make a statement. [163296]
§ Maria Eagle: My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State wrote, jointly with the Permanent Head of the Department, to all staff and managers immediately following the Budget announcement to explain the context and rationale for the decision to reduce staff numbers.
Shortly after the announcement he met with the General Secretary and other officials of Public and Commercial Services Union.
Officials in the Department meet regularly with the trade unions to discuss workforce management issues and these meetings will continue as detailed plans are now developed.