Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment his Department has made of the effect of the decision by G4S to refuse to recognise the PCS Union on the terms and conditions of employment of those employed by G4S in the justice sector.

The contract referred to is for facilities management services provided to the MOJ and it is my understanding that, in fact, G4S are currently at an advanced stage of discussions with the PCS on a formal recognition agreement.

For such contracts, service providers are expected to observe Cabinet Office Guidance that "service providers should actively communicate and, where appropriate, seek to build good relations with trade unions".