NEW STANDARD CONTRACT FOR HON. MEMBERS' STAFF

That this House notes with concern the new standard contract for hon. Members' staff which extends the minimum hours of work from 37.5 to 42 hours and does not allow hon. Members to negotiate contractual hours outside these boundaries; is concerned that this will cause tension where new employees have longer contractual hours than existing staff; further notes that the contract was agreed by the Advisory Panel on Members' Allowances and introduced by the Department of Resources without formal consultation with staff union representatives; and urges all hon. Members to support recognition of the UNITE Parliamentary staff branch by the House authorities to ensure that they have a formal voice in future changes to the contract.