Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Commonwealth War Graves Commission Staff

15 December 2020 · 2 other contributors · 3,515 words

Opened by Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South and South Bedfordshire

Responding minister: Johnny Mercer

EmploymentBrexit

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Rachel Hopkins raised concerns about commonwealth war graves commission staff in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about employment situation for Commonwealth War Graves Commission staff in France and Belgium, including issues related to gardeners, stonemasons, and other workers.
  • The debate highlighted personal connections to WWI casualties buried in Belgium and France, emphasizing the importance of the CWGC's work.
  • The hon. Member for Luton South requested the government to ensure fair terms of employment and respect for workers' rights for CWGC staff employed abroad.

Key requests to Government

I ask the government to ensure that the CWGC respects its workers' rights and provides fair terms of employment for those working abroad. The commission must address any issues concerning how the choice was put to them and the time given, as this is not just about employment terms but also about ensuring staff are treated fairly.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Rachel Hopkins Lab Luton South and South Bedfordshire

I am concerned about the employment situation for Commonwealth War Graves Commission staff, particularly those working in France and Belgium. The commission employs gardeners, stonemasons, and other staff to tend cemeteries across these countries, including sites of significant historical importance such as the Somme, Ypres, Passchendaele, Normandy, and Dunkirk. My great-grandmother lost two brothers during World War I, both buried in Belgium and France, highlighting the personal connection many have with these staff's work.

Other contributors (2)
  • Diana R. Johnson Lab Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham

    I congratulate my hon. Friend on securing the debate and express the commissioners' concern for CWGC workers, especially in light of Brexit's impact on their employment situation.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    The speaker highlighted the importance of CWGC staff and volunteers, expressing concern over the abrupt changes to employment contracts for UK-based staff working abroad. He noted that some have been offered new terms with significant income cuts or repatriation back to the UK without consultation. The timing of these announcements was deemed inappropriate, coming shortly after Armistice Day. Additionally, he expressed worries about the impact on long-term pay and pension arrangements and the psychological toll on staff who feel abandoned by the commission.

Government Response

Johnny Mercer

It is a pleasure to speak under your chairmanship, Sir Christopher. I begin by paying tribute to the hon. Member for Luton South (Rachel Hopkins) for securing the debate and expressing admiration for the extraordinary work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. The commission was set up more than a century ago to honour in perpetuity the memory of 1.7 million people who died in the two world wars, overseeing cemeteries and memorials at some 23,000 locations in 154 countries. I acknowledge that Brexit has impacted the situation faced by the 30 UK nationals with UK-based contracts working in Belgium and France alongside 550 staff. These individuals were faced with two stark choices: to remain in the EU on local terms or to return to the UK due to new arrangements following the end of free movement of labour. The commission has been at pains to ensure that its employees are not disadvantaged, offering a tax repayment of £30,000 and funding removal expenses where required. Following a meeting with unions last week, the commission further decided to help those remaining in the EU by making an additional one-off payment of up to €10,000 for housing costs for the next 12 months and covering up to €5,000 for moving house if they choose to do so. All 30 employees have now confirmed their options, with 21 remaining in Europe, seven returning to the UK and two retiring.

Get updates like this by email
▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy