Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what recent amendments they have made to the employment contract for special advisors.

In December of last year the Government announced work reviewing how special advisers’ terms can be made clearer and more consistent. (19 December 2018 Vol. 651, [HCWS1216])

A revised model contract for special advisers was published on 19 September. The changes made reflect improvements to align the policies that apply to special advisers including on parental leave rights, clarification of the provisions relating to severance payments, and an explanation of the disciplinary procedure which reflects the longstanding role of the Prime Minister in the appointment of all special advisers.