Local Pay Proposals In The Department For Constitutional Affairs

EDM number 354 in 2006-07, proposed by John McDonnell on 29/11/2006.

That this House notes with concern proposals from the Department for Constitutional Affairs to introduce a system that links the pay of its staff to local labour market rates; notes that the proposals will adversely impact staff in areas of social deprivation, as they could be paid significantly less than colleagues working in more prosperous areas; further notes that these pay rates will result in recruitment and retention problems in the courts and tribunals where highly skilled staff are needed; is concerned that, if implemented across other areas of the public sector, local pay would have a detrimental effect on local economies in areas of social deprivation, increase economic disparity and undermine the provision of public services to deprived communities; further notes that the policy is counter to the regional development and regeneration work of the Department for Communities and Local Government and its commitment to build cohesive communities and strong local economies; and therefore urges the Department urgently to withdraw this divisive proposal and enter into meaningful negotiations with the Public and Commercial Services Union to develop a fair and equitable pay system.

This motion has been signed by a total of 99 MPs.