Top civil servants' union condemns Casey remarks and renews calls for Civil Service Act - 6 July 2005

The reported comments of Louise Casey, Head of the Home Office Anti-Social Behaviour Unit, in an after dinner speech, have been condemned by the FDA, the union representing Britain's senior civil service and public sector managers and professionals.

Jonathan Baume, FDA General Secretary, said: "I hope that the Home Office takes a robust approach. Miss Casey's reported remarks are a clear breach of the Civil Service Code which bring both the civil service and the Home Office into disrepute. I would also urge the Civil Service Commission and the Cabinet Secretary to review the quality of training and development for external appointees to the Senior Civil Service. This is especially important given the Government's aim to bring even more people from other sectors into the civil service.

"The Government must also end its procrastination over introducing a Civil Service Act. This would have a significant impact in making clear both to civil servants and to ministers their respective rights and responsibilities. The continued delays have sent all the wrong messages about the importance of ensuring everyone in government understands the boundaries within which they must work."

Notes for Editors
1. The FDA is the trade union and professional body representing the UK's 16,000 senior civil and public servants. Our members include policy advisors, senior managers, tax inspectors, economists, statisticians, accountants, special advisers, government lawyers, diplomats, crown prosecutors and NHS managers.

2. The FDA can be referred to simply as "The FDA" and described as "the senior civil and public servants' union" or something along those lines. We would be grateful if you would avoid using 'First Division Association' as this is no longer our name and causes all sorts of confusion with football clubs and the like. Thank you!

3. For further information contact: