News from the FDA

16 April 2002

[For Immediate Use]

MI6 Staff Affiliate to Public Service Union

The SecretIntelligence Service (SIS) staff association has affiliated to the FDA, theunion for senior public service managers. Although SIS (often known as MI6)staff will not become full members of the FDA, the FDA will work closely withthe staff association on issues which affect the interests of SIS staff.

The arrangement isdesigned to improve the access of SIS staff to union support and advice whileprotecting their personal anonymity and national security.

Jonathan Baume, FDAGeneral Secretary, commented:

Thisis an historic arrangement. Staff in the Secret Intelligence Service have neverpreviously had access to a trade union. The SIS is a vital public serviceprotecting our national security and helping to make Britain a safe place tolive in. To help recruit, retain andmotivate the highly skilled and capable staff it depends upon, SIS needs tooffer excellent employment conditions.

Likeother public servants SIS staff face issues such as training, appraisal, pay,pensions and promotion. The SIS staff association discusses these and othermatters with SIS management, and they will now be able to call on the supportof the FDA. The FDA will also assist the staff association to deal withindividual grievances.

Thisnew arrangement will help to enhance the overall effectiveness of SIS. It isnot only a vote of confidence in the FDA but also recognises the valuable rolethat constructive trade unions play in

workplaces across the UK. It is a genuine partnership between the staff of SIS,their senior management team and the FDA, helping to deliver a vital ifunusual public service.

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:

JonathanBaume (general secretary) on 020-7343-1111 or07976-951191 (mobile)

Simon Moore (chief press officer) on 07967484441 (mobile)