Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, whether HM Revenue & Customs consulted its recognised trade unions on the contract of employment that applies to apprentices working in the HMRC Surge & Rapid Response Team; and if he will make a statement.

The Surge and Rapid Response Team (SRRT) was established in May 2015, following a request from the Cabinet Office, Civil Service People Board to find innovative ways to improve operational resilience across Government.

Recognised Civil Service trade unions FDA and PCS were informed of the SRRT contracts prior to advertising the posts.

All contracts were drafted and reviewed by Civil Service Employee Policy, and Treasury Solicitors were also consulted. Any subsequent changes to contracts and the relationship with broader HMRC contractual changes were also done with union consultation.