Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to his Department’s news story of 5 November 2019, Approved Enforcement Agency Services Contract Awarded, whether any changes to contracts of employment as a result of those contracts so awarded have been (a) consulted on with and (b) agreed by (i) affected staff and (ii) departmental trade unions.

The Departmental Trade Union are appointed representatives and have been, and continue to be, involved in the consultation regarding the transfer of individuals that will result from the letting of the new Approved Enforcement Agency Services Contracts.

There will be some technical changes to contracts of employment, but the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 affords protections to key terms and conditions such as salary, pensions and annual leave.

Consultation is undertaken with a view to reaching agreement, and both the unions and staff views are considered but they will not always be acted if there are good practical or financial reasons for not doing so.