News from the FDA

12 May 2002

[For Immediate Use]

Pushing for progress on a Civil Service Bill

The FDA has welcomed the proposal bythe Public Administration Select Committee to draft a Civil Service Bill. Thisis in response to the Governments apparent reluctance to fulfil its owncommitment to consult about an Act.

Jonathan Baume, FDA General Secretary,backed Committee Chairman Tony Wright MP, and stated:

"The FDAwould prefer the Government to act as it has promised. However we share TonyWright's concern at the lack of progress, particularly as the civil servicesteps up the pace of change following Sir Andrew Turnbull's appointment as newcivil service head.

An Act wouldunderpin the values of a politically impartial civil service linked to fair andpolitically impartial appointment and promotion procedures. An Act supported byall the main political parties would aid not impede public service reform.We look forward to working closely with the Select Committee in drafting a Billto move this debate forward".

ENDS

Notesfor Editors

1. TheFDA is the trade union and professional body representing the UKs 11,000senior civil and public servants. Our members include policy advisors, seniormanagers, tax inspectors, economists, statisticians, accountants, governmentlawyers, crown prosecutors and NHS managers

2. Forfurther information contact:

Jonathan Baume (general secretary) on 020-7343-1111 or 07976-951191 (mobile)