MPs Staff: Employment Conditions

Shannon supports the motion but raises concerns about the lack of employer training among MPs and asks if funding for staff development should be provided centrally to ensure staff feel they can pursue beneficial yet costly career advancement without scrutiny.

Madders inquires about the retrospective application of measures concerning continuity of service, highlighting an injustice experienced by one of his staff members regarding maternity leave rights and sick pay entitlements.

Smith supports the report's recommendations for improving employment conditions, emphasising the importance of recognising staff as the backbone of democracy. He also questions whether HR changes will be finalized before the general election and seeks further assessment of the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme.

Morton, a member of the Speaker’s Conference, acknowledges the work done by staff in compiling the report. She highlights the importance of improving employer-staff relationships and notes that changing culture takes time but is crucial for delivering democracy effectively.

Welcomes proposals to ensure best employment practice, recognises the significant contribution of MPs’ staff, supports recommendations for inclusivity and fairness in workplace culture. Supports expanding the Members' Services Team and improving human resources support for both MPs and their staff. Emphasises the importance of addressing under-resourced HR services and inadequate employee support. Advocates for improved continuity of employment and statutory entitlements when staff move between Member offices, suggesting that staff should be recognised as essential supporting work rather than a cost moving between accounts. Supports recommendations for a working group to review accommodation provision and improve the working environment.

The work of the Speaker’s Conference has led to positive changes such as better support for Members’ staff, improved transfer of employment rights, and more professional working arrangements. Challenges remain in areas like constituency office management and the need for continued training for new MPs.

There is a need to ensure that Members have adequate experience and knowledge of human resources practices before recruiting staff. This could be addressed through future conferences or requirements set by the political parties.

Emphasises the importance of staff independence and the personal relationship between MPs and their staff. Supports recommendations for further work on offices' flexibility but criticises IPSA's dual role as both regulator and service provider, advocating for transparency in spending public money. Highlights issues with the IPSA web portal.

Thanked Members who contributed to the debate and the Speaker’s Conference. Addressed retrospective nature of proposals, training matters, and the role of the Standards Committee in setting standards for duty of care among MPs and staff. Emphasised ongoing scrutiny of IPSA's work.