Union backs draft Civil Service Act

The FDA today welcomed the publication by the Public Administration Select Committee of its consultation paper and draft Civil Service Act. FDA general secretary Jonathan Baume said publication was "a very important initiative" by the select committee. In April the Committee on Standards in Public Life also proposed in its ninth report, 'Defining the boundaries within the Executive', that the government should start consultation on an Act as soon as possible. Baume said: "The government has repeatedly committed itself to supporting a Civil Service Act. While the FDA regrets that the government didn't take the lead itself, we very much hope that it will recognise the importance of proceeding with legislation and give its backing to this commendable initiative by the Public Administration Select Committee." 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: