§ Jeff EnnisTo ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office for what reason the Government discounts to private health club membership for firemen, nurses, police and ambulance workers as part of its initiative to cut obesity have not been extended to all categories of Civil Servants. [173321]
§ Mr. AlexanderThe Government are committed to looking after the occupational health of Civil Servants. Having pro-active occupational health policies not only benefits employees but can also assist the organisation by helping to reduce levels of sickness absence.
As part of programmes to raise awareness of health issues, Government Departments and agencies are free to negotiate membership discounts on behalf of their staff with private health club providers, or provide their own fitness facilities.