Union rejects strings-attached pay offer - 13 November 2003

Senior civil servants working in the Department for Work and Pensions have overwhelmingly rejected the department's pay offer, the FDA said today.

Ninety-five per cent of members voted against the pay offer, which would have seen inflation-only earnings growth of just 2.9%, and which called into question the department's commitment to work/life balance. The department has been limited in what it can spend by a freeze imposed by the government.

FDA national officer Martin Furlong said: "The mood of FDA members has been worsened by strings attached to the deal which mean that staff who take more than five days paid or unpaid leave, other than holidays, would suffer a financial penalty.

"This penalty would be imposed on staff for a wide range of 'normal' events such as maternity and paternity leave, study leave, Territorial Army duties, dealing with sick children or dealing with the death of a loved one. Even being called for jury service would be punished. DWP argues that the restrictions are legal, but in a civil service that purports to promote work/life balance and encourages its employees to take part in public life, it is certainly unfair."

The FDA is considering what action it will now take.

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: