Civil Service Industrial Relations 2022-12-08
2022-12-08
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question arises from disputes between trade unions and government departments within the civil service.
What assessment has been made of the state of industrial relations in the civil service? Departments are responsible for engaging with recognised trade unions at departmental and local level, but the Public and Commercial Services Union is currently in dispute with several employers, calling for strike action. What dialogue efforts have taken place?
The Cabinet Office is not the employer of all civil servants and Departments are responsible for engaging with recognised trade unions at departmental and local level. The Public and Commercial Services Union is currently in dispute with a number of employers, calling for strike action. We remain open to continued dialogue to bring about a resolution.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
PCS members voted for a strike over issues including pay, pensions, job cuts and redundancy terms. A substantial 86.2% of the ballot supported striking next week at several departments.
Following a ballot with more than 150,000 civil servant PCS members where 86.2% voted for strike action on pay, pensions, job cuts and redundancy terms, strikes will start next week. Does the Minister accept that his Government's insulting pay deal of just under 3%, amid a cost of living crisis, is responsible for this situation?
We regret these strikes will take place and impact citizens. With inflation at 11%, providing a 11% increase across public sector would cost about £28 billion. The unions' demands are not affordable for the taxpayer, but our door remains open for dialogue.
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Assessment & feedback
specific responsibility of government for pay deal
Regret
Inflation Context
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Workers in 124 Government departments and public bodies have a mandate for strike action. Workers plan to take industrial action amid disputes over pay, investment in jobs, and conditions.
With workers at 124 Government departments having a mandate for strike action, will the Minister confirm that meaningful talks with civil service trade unions are happening? How does the Government intend to avoid widespread disruption and bring forward a fair deal on pay, job investment, and ending attacks on terms and conditions?
We will ensure public services continue despite strikes. We regret strike action but value workers' contributions. However, demands for an 11% pay increase are not affordable. We aim to mitigate impacts and have dialogue open with unions.
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Assessment & feedback
specific plans to avoid disruption
Regret
Affordability
Response accuracy