Department for Work and Pensions imposes discriminatory pay offer - 21 November 2003

Management in the Department for Work and Pensions has imposed a discriminatory and derisory pay offer on senior staff, the FDA said today.

FDA members had voted overwhelmingly to reject the pay offer which will introduce a discriminatory bonus scheme in addition to a below-the-rate-of-inflation pay rise of 2.6%, after pay progression, for the vast majority of staff. Two other unions involved in the talks are still to announce the results of their ballots.

Under the controversial bonus scheme, all paid and unpaid leave totaling more than five days in a year (other than annual leave and bank holidays) will lead to a reduction in a bonus payment. The reduction would penalise those taking maternity and paternity leave, in addition to staff taking time off to study, care for a sick child or relative or to attend a funeral.

Martin Furlong, FDA national officer, said: "We are about to undertake an extensive consultation exercise with our members on what action to take in response to the ballot result and the imposition of the offer."

Ends

Notes for Editors
1. The FDA is the trade union and professional body representing the UK's 11,000 senior civil and public servants. Our members include policy advisors, senior managers, tax inspectors, economists, statisticians, accountants, special advisers, government lawyers, crown prosecutors and NHS managers.

2. For further information contact: