Much has been said - and written - this week about cutting the big high street banks down to size.
Apparently everyone now believes that smaller banks are good for us. Because smaller banks means more banks - that have to compete with one another - and the resulting competition is good for customers.
The big guy always finds it much harder to beat up on the little guy - if the little guy can just take his or her business elsewhere.
So far, so good - sounds reasonable enough.
But isn't it interesting that while the big banks are being forced to become smaller - to get closer to their customers - that trade unions in the UK are becoming ever larger and more remote from their members.
The latest move towards another super union - see post dated 16 September 2009 - is the planned merger between GMB and Unison - which would create a union of around 2 million members.
But Unison itself is the product of an arranged marriage of what used to be three separate unions - COSHE, NALGO and NUPE - which tied the knot to become Unison in 1993.
And this latest giant union is all about keeping up with the Joneses, in the shape of Unite - currently the largest union in the land with 1.9 million members - and itself the product of a previous merger between Amicus and the old transport union, TGWU.
The fact is that these new super unions are run just like giant businesses - except that they are not as well regulated as businesses - arguably they are subject to less scrutiny than your average corner shop.
In terms of service standards - ordinary union members do not have an independent body to turn to for support, if they have a problem or complaint - there is no equivalent of the Financial Services Ombudsman, for example.
In future, union members will get even less choice from these mega unions - which all give huge sums of money to the Labour Party - despite the fact that the great majority of union members support other parties - or no party at all.
The present government has no interest in making the union more accountable to their members - because the Labour Party is so heavily dependent on the trade unions for financial support.
But it will be interesting to see what happens after the next general election - maybe the unions will be forced to move with the times. A healthy dose of external and independent scrutiny - would certainly help the unions become more accountable to their members.
Just look what it's done for MPs.
Friday, 6 November 2009
Thursday, 5 November 2009
MPs: We Want £40,000 A Year Pay Rise
Headline of the week must go to today's Daily Express (www.express.co.uk) for its front page splash - which says that MPs are looking for a £40,000 pay rise - to compensate for the loss of their allowances and expenses.
Now a backbench MPs' salary (£64,766) is not exactly a king's ransom - but it's not poverty pay either.
An MP gets paid four or five times more than a Home Carer or Classroom Assistant - jobs that have been underpaid and undervalued for years - and that are still fighting for equal pay in many areas.
An MP also gets paid more that a highly qualified Charge Nurse or Sister - one that manages a busy hospital ward or intensive care unit even - one that works unsocial hours and shifts into the bargain.
So, before MPs start moaning about their pay - they should take a reality check.
Some MPs are very able individuals, articulate and hard working - others give the impression that they would find it hard to chew gum and fart at the same time - as someone once said of the former Amercan president, Gerald Ford.
The best MPs can hope for is a reasonable pay rise down the line - once the country is back on its feet - and once they've shown that there's more to being a MP - than learning how to shove your nose ever deeper into the trough.
Now a backbench MPs' salary (£64,766) is not exactly a king's ransom - but it's not poverty pay either.
An MP gets paid four or five times more than a Home Carer or Classroom Assistant - jobs that have been underpaid and undervalued for years - and that are still fighting for equal pay in many areas.
An MP also gets paid more that a highly qualified Charge Nurse or Sister - one that manages a busy hospital ward or intensive care unit even - one that works unsocial hours and shifts into the bargain.
So, before MPs start moaning about their pay - they should take a reality check.
Some MPs are very able individuals, articulate and hard working - others give the impression that they would find it hard to chew gum and fart at the same time - as someone once said of the former Amercan president, Gerald Ford.
The best MPs can hope for is a reasonable pay rise down the line - once the country is back on its feet - and once they've shown that there's more to being a MP - than learning how to shove your nose ever deeper into the trough.
Wednesday, 4 November 2009
South Lanarkshire and FOI
South Lanarkshire Council refused a recent Freedom of Information (FOI) request - which asked about the different rates of pay that apply - to different groups of council workers.
The council's decision has now been appealed to the Scottish Information Commissioner in the following terms - see previous post dated 23 October 2009:
Scottish Information Commissioner
Kinburn Castle
Doubledykes Road
Fife
KY16 9DS
Dear Commissioner
South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) – FOISA request
I enclose an exchange of correspondence with South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) regarding a FOISA enquiry, which I initiated with the council on 22 May 2009.
I asked for a review of the council’s initial decision, but remain dissatisfied with their response. I am therefore registering an appeal with the Scottish Information Commissioner (SIC).
In my view, the council’s response is unsatisfactory for the following reasons:
1. The information requested is not confidential and does not in any way constitute the personal data of council employees.
2. The information requested is generic in nature and relates to the number of posts at specified points on the Spinal Pay Column.
3. The request is for anonymised information – such data is routinely gathered and published by many public bodies as part of their equality monitoring arrangements.
4. The council’s response to Request 1 perfectly adequate and, in my view, the remaining Requests (2-7) can clearly be answered in similar terms.
5. The council refers to the case of the Common Services Agency v Scottish Information Commissioner in support of its stance. However, while in that particular case the information request could potentially have been used to identify individuals through release of their postal codes, the same is not true of my request. In my view, the council has failed to explain how acceding to my request could amount to a breach of any of the data protection principles
I look forward to hearing from you and if you require any further details or clarification at this stage, please contact me by e-mail at markirvine@compuserve.com
Kind regards
Mark Irvine
The council's decision has now been appealed to the Scottish Information Commissioner in the following terms - see previous post dated 23 October 2009:
Scottish Information Commissioner
Kinburn Castle
Doubledykes Road
Fife
KY16 9DS
Dear Commissioner
South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) – FOISA request
I enclose an exchange of correspondence with South Lanarkshire Council (SLC) regarding a FOISA enquiry, which I initiated with the council on 22 May 2009.
I asked for a review of the council’s initial decision, but remain dissatisfied with their response. I am therefore registering an appeal with the Scottish Information Commissioner (SIC).
In my view, the council’s response is unsatisfactory for the following reasons:
1. The information requested is not confidential and does not in any way constitute the personal data of council employees.
2. The information requested is generic in nature and relates to the number of posts at specified points on the Spinal Pay Column.
3. The request is for anonymised information – such data is routinely gathered and published by many public bodies as part of their equality monitoring arrangements.
4. The council’s response to Request 1 perfectly adequate and, in my view, the remaining Requests (2-7) can clearly be answered in similar terms.
5. The council refers to the case of the Common Services Agency v Scottish Information Commissioner in support of its stance. However, while in that particular case the information request could potentially have been used to identify individuals through release of their postal codes, the same is not true of my request. In my view, the council has failed to explain how acceding to my request could amount to a breach of any of the data protection principles
I look forward to hearing from you and if you require any further details or clarification at this stage, please contact me by e-mail at markirvine@compuserve.com
Kind regards
Mark Irvine
Tuesday, 3 November 2009
Damascene Conversions
Some of our regular male readers have been in touch to say that the trade unions are undergoing another amazing 'Damascene' conversion.
Having told their male members for years that they have no equal pay claims - the unions are apparently changing their tune - and that maybe they made a big boo boo, after all!
Now this is in response to the success of Stefan Cross Solicitors in establishing - as a matter of law - that non-bonus earning men have potentially the same claim as non-bonus earning women - providing their has been an equal pay settlement .
The unions are presumably very embarrassed that they told many male members to 'get lost' - when they made enquiries about equal pay.
Male union members who took up a claim with Action 4 Equality Scotland - report that they were told they had no claim for equal pay - in no uncertain terms - when they approached their union for advice.
Now the unions appear to be changing their tune - but yet again they made the wrong call - and let their own members down.
Many male union members will have lost out, big time - those who took up a claim with Action 4 Equality Scotland protected their position - but it's another example of the unions falling down on the job.
Having told their male members for years that they have no equal pay claims - the unions are apparently changing their tune - and that maybe they made a big boo boo, after all!
Now this is in response to the success of Stefan Cross Solicitors in establishing - as a matter of law - that non-bonus earning men have potentially the same claim as non-bonus earning women - providing their has been an equal pay settlement .
The unions are presumably very embarrassed that they told many male members to 'get lost' - when they made enquiries about equal pay.
Male union members who took up a claim with Action 4 Equality Scotland - report that they were told they had no claim for equal pay - in no uncertain terms - when they approached their union for advice.
Now the unions appear to be changing their tune - but yet again they made the wrong call - and let their own members down.
Many male union members will have lost out, big time - those who took up a claim with Action 4 Equality Scotland protected their position - but it's another example of the unions falling down on the job.
Monday, 2 November 2009
Unite and Fight
The union Unite is working itself up into a lather apparently - over the proposed ban on MPs hiring family members to run their parliamentary offices.
According to press reports - Unite says it will use employment law to protect those facing the sack from 'unfair dismissal and discrimination'
Unite represents staff of MPs in the House of Commons and has arranged a special meeting for those affected by the ruling.
A Unite spokesperson said:
"Whether it is unfair dismissal or discrimination law, we will offer our members whatever protection we can. Family members of MPs' staff save the taxpayer money by working many hours in unpaid overtime. The majority of the public want employment of family members to be transparent and regulated – not banned."
Now it's odd indeed to hear a trade union singing the praises of its members for (allegedly) working many hours of unpaid overtime - in order to save the taxpayer a fortune!
But what's even more odd is the union threatening to pull out all the stops - to use the full force of the law to protect members' interests - when you consider how the unions behaved over equal pay.
It's heartening to hear that MPs and their long suffering spouses - have such strong, determined trade union backing.
Low paid women members still fighting for equal pay - who were kept in the dark for years about the pay gap between male and female jobs - might just struggle to see the irony.
According to press reports - Unite says it will use employment law to protect those facing the sack from 'unfair dismissal and discrimination'
Unite represents staff of MPs in the House of Commons and has arranged a special meeting for those affected by the ruling.
A Unite spokesperson said:
"Whether it is unfair dismissal or discrimination law, we will offer our members whatever protection we can. Family members of MPs' staff save the taxpayer money by working many hours in unpaid overtime. The majority of the public want employment of family members to be transparent and regulated – not banned."
Now it's odd indeed to hear a trade union singing the praises of its members for (allegedly) working many hours of unpaid overtime - in order to save the taxpayer a fortune!
But what's even more odd is the union threatening to pull out all the stops - to use the full force of the law to protect members' interests - when you consider how the unions behaved over equal pay.
It's heartening to hear that MPs and their long suffering spouses - have such strong, determined trade union backing.
Low paid women members still fighting for equal pay - who were kept in the dark for years about the pay gap between male and female jobs - might just struggle to see the irony.
Sunday, 1 November 2009
Hitting the Nail on the Head
Every once in a while - newspaper columnists hit the nail on the heard.
Here's what Simon Hoggart had to say the other day in the Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/) - about MPs' expenses and the latest revelations involving the Tony McNulty, the 'honourable' member for Harrow East.
"They still don't get it, part 873. Yesterday a Commons committee reported on Tony McNulty. He had bought a house in his constituency (Harrow East) and installed his parents there. He paid the occasional visit, although his own home was elsewhere in London. He then charged the taxpayer for 69% of the cost of running the place. Maybe he was just doing in advance what many MPs feel should be done anyway – having the taxpayer fund their golden years.
The committee on standards and privileges said that, since his parents lived together, they only counted as one person. Therefore, McNulty should be able to claim half the costs, even though there is only one corporeal McNulty Jr as opposed to the single notional McNulty that comprises Mr and Mrs McNulty Sr. (You need to comprehend higher philosophical concepts to follow the expenses row.) So he was asked to pay back £13,800 and apologise.
This he did. It was one of those well-honed, carefully scripted, sort-of apologies we have become familiar with. He had been "careless". He had been rightly admonished for his "informal" arrangements. But the key was when he said that the "commissioner has every right to redefine [his] advice and apply it retrospectively. Indeed, had the advice been given to me in terms that have now been suggested … I would of course have acted differently."
However, he apologised "unreservedly", and this won hearty hear-hears from his colleagues, many of whom may already feel the cold, bony fingers of the commissioner on their collars.
I wonder how it would work in the world the rest of us inhabit. "When I took your wallet out of your jacket, and removed £40 while you were in the toilet, I was making an informal arrangement for a loan which I had every intention of repaying. The fact that I did not inform you at the time was careless, and I make a full apology for this slip …"
How refreshing to hear someone say what needs to be said - and without making any mealy-mouthed excuses for MPs behaviour.
Here's what Simon Hoggart had to say the other day in the Guardian (http://www.guardian.co.uk/) - about MPs' expenses and the latest revelations involving the Tony McNulty, the 'honourable' member for Harrow East.
"They still don't get it, part 873. Yesterday a Commons committee reported on Tony McNulty. He had bought a house in his constituency (Harrow East) and installed his parents there. He paid the occasional visit, although his own home was elsewhere in London. He then charged the taxpayer for 69% of the cost of running the place. Maybe he was just doing in advance what many MPs feel should be done anyway – having the taxpayer fund their golden years.
The committee on standards and privileges said that, since his parents lived together, they only counted as one person. Therefore, McNulty should be able to claim half the costs, even though there is only one corporeal McNulty Jr as opposed to the single notional McNulty that comprises Mr and Mrs McNulty Sr. (You need to comprehend higher philosophical concepts to follow the expenses row.) So he was asked to pay back £13,800 and apologise.
This he did. It was one of those well-honed, carefully scripted, sort-of apologies we have become familiar with. He had been "careless". He had been rightly admonished for his "informal" arrangements. But the key was when he said that the "commissioner has every right to redefine [his] advice and apply it retrospectively. Indeed, had the advice been given to me in terms that have now been suggested … I would of course have acted differently."
However, he apologised "unreservedly", and this won hearty hear-hears from his colleagues, many of whom may already feel the cold, bony fingers of the commissioner on their collars.
I wonder how it would work in the world the rest of us inhabit. "When I took your wallet out of your jacket, and removed £40 while you were in the toilet, I was making an informal arrangement for a loan which I had every intention of repaying. The fact that I did not inform you at the time was careless, and I make a full apology for this slip …"
How refreshing to hear someone say what needs to be said - and without making any mealy-mouthed excuses for MPs behaviour.
Friday, 30 October 2009
All in the Family (2)
The Daily Telegraph was first out the traps again - this time with extracts from 17 MPs who have made a case that they should not be banned from employing their spouses or other family members.
A ban has been recommended by Sir Christopher Kelly - who is carrying out an independent review of MPs expenses and allowances.
Here's what the MPs had to say on behalf of their nearest and dearest - readers can judge for themselves which of the following the MPs deserve:
a) public sympathy
b) a good pyschiatrist
c) a good kicking at the polls
Adrian Bailey
Labour MP for West Bromwich West
Employs wife, Jill Bailey, as Senior Secretary
“It should be allowable as family members are often more knowledgeable, experienced and committed than others.”
Kevin Barron
Labour MP for Rother Valley
Employs sister-in-law, Sheena Woolley, as Secretary
“The essential thing is that they do the work they are paid for and that I can trust them implicitly, especially with confidentiality and the political sensitivities of the job.”
Margaret Beckett
Former foreign secretary and Labour MP for Derby South
Employs husband, Leo Beckett, as Office Manager
“Some years ago, I encountered one of the best organisers and managers I have ever met, whose judgement of people is extremely shrewd and whose advice I have often found invaluable. We later married.”
Peter Bone
Conservative MP for Wellingborough
Employs wife, Jeanette Bone, as Executive Secretary
“Members of Parliaments’ personal or secretarial assistants often have to work at midnight or later, work extremely long hours at short notice, and need to have the complete confidence of the Member of Parliament. Spouses are in a unique position to provide that service.”
Malcolm Bruce
Liberal Democrat MP for Gordon
Employs wife, Rosemary Bruce, as Office Manager and Diary Secretary
“Having my wife as office manager, diary secretary and constituency PA operating from an office in our home is invaluable not only to me but, I strongly believe, to constituents and other organisations I deal with as part of my parliamentary and constituency duties.”
David Clelland
Labour MP for Tyne Bridge
Employs wife, Brenda Graham, as Secretary
“My own wife has worked for me for 23 years (although she has only been my wife for 5 years). She is an Honours graduate in History and Politics and came to me from a very senior job with the Association of Metropolitan Authorities in London ... she is the hardest working person I have ever known.”
Roger Gale
Conservative MP for Thanet North
Employs wife, Suzy Gale, as Office Manager
“My wife Suzy was and remains as committed to the task as I am myself and I quite simply could not have devoted the time and energy that I have put into parliamentary life without her rock-solid support and backing not only as my wife but as what is now known as my 'Chief of Staff’.”
David Hamilton
Labour MP for Midlothian
Employs wife, Jean Hamilton, as Office Manager
“Whilst my staff is happy to work out of hours I am not prepared to call on them late at night as a matter of routine. The nature of the fusion between personal and professional relationships with my wife removes this problem and I am able to call upon 24/7 support.”
Iain Liddell-Grainger
Conservative MP for Bridgwater
Employs wife, Jill Liddell-Grainger, as Research/Parliamentary Assistant
“The public only observe the closeness of the relationship and may assume – wrongly I contend – that preferential treatment has been given to the new employee. I rely on Jill to be my eyes, ears and common sense thermometer – 24 hours a day. She is as much on duty in our village as she is ... at Westminster.”
Peter Luff
Conservative MP for Mid Worcestershire
Employs wife, Julia Luff, as Secretary
“This entirely normal relationship brings great advantages to the work of MPs and so to their constituents, as well as help sustain their family relationships which are put under great strain by an MP’s lifestyle. My wife wanted to return to work, but also needed to because of the large salary drop I took to become an MP … The ability to employ my wife was central to my decision to become an MP and I would seriously consider leaving the House if I were no longer allowed to do so.”
John Mann
Labour MP for Bassetlaw
Employs wife, Joanna White, as Office Manager
“All staff related to MPs and all staff holding elected public office should be job evaluated independently and immediately and appropriate action taken if they are found to be overpaid or not carrying out the duties listed in their contract of employment.”
Andrew Miller
Labour MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston
Employs wife, Fran Miller, as part-time Secretary/Office Manager, and cousin, Julie Spencer, as part-time Senior Researcher/Parliamentary Assistant
“My wife would have been paid more [if] she [had] continued as a school teacher, she works for me for four days a week, although in reality does considerable more than that where she is not paid, including as I have pointed out to the Daily Telegraph, work at weekends and discussion on casework on the telephone late at night.”
Meg Munn
Labour MP for Sheffield Heeley
Employs husband, Dennis Bates, as part-time Researcher/Parliamentary Assistant and sister-in-law, Deborah Stenton, as Caseworker/Secretarial Assistant
“New arrangements should be in place for staff to ensure they are being appropriately employed … the MP could make a statement on why they believe the person is capable of undertaking the tasks in the job description, including previous experience and qualifications. This could provide greater reassurance that any relatives who are employed are suitable for the job.”
Nick Palmer
Labour MP for Broxtowe
Employs wife, Fiona Palmer, as part-time Senior Caseworker
“It really is very useful to have an assistant available out of working hours, and if this is to be a long-term commitment then a family member or partner is the only plausible candidate. Open recruitment would not work if the assistant has to be on hand at (say) 11pm on a Sunday night.”
Ian Taylor
Conservative MP for Esher and Walton
Employs wife, Carole Taylor, as part-time Senior Parliamentary Assistant
“I do employ my wife part time under contract, and she in fact works under direction of my senior staff member. She not only contributes but feels involved in the work I do.”
Matthew Taylor
Liberal Democrat MP for Truro and St Austell
Employs wife, Victoria Taylor, as part-time Researcher
“As with many small businesses this can be the most viable way of running an MPs’ office and keeping family together, especially given MPs are working at two ends of the country and unsocial hours.”
David Wilshire
Conservative MP for Spelthorne
Employs partner, Ann Palmer, as Office Manager
“My partner … has a formal job description and a proper contract … She has the necessary skills and her personal knowledge of my constituency is second to none … she devotes many additional hours without extra pay ... Additionally, it enables us to see each other during the working week.”
A ban has been recommended by Sir Christopher Kelly - who is carrying out an independent review of MPs expenses and allowances.
Here's what the MPs had to say on behalf of their nearest and dearest - readers can judge for themselves which of the following the MPs deserve:
a) public sympathy
b) a good pyschiatrist
c) a good kicking at the polls
Adrian Bailey
Labour MP for West Bromwich West
Employs wife, Jill Bailey, as Senior Secretary
“It should be allowable as family members are often more knowledgeable, experienced and committed than others.”
Kevin Barron
Labour MP for Rother Valley
Employs sister-in-law, Sheena Woolley, as Secretary
“The essential thing is that they do the work they are paid for and that I can trust them implicitly, especially with confidentiality and the political sensitivities of the job.”
Margaret Beckett
Former foreign secretary and Labour MP for Derby South
Employs husband, Leo Beckett, as Office Manager
“Some years ago, I encountered one of the best organisers and managers I have ever met, whose judgement of people is extremely shrewd and whose advice I have often found invaluable. We later married.”
Peter Bone
Conservative MP for Wellingborough
Employs wife, Jeanette Bone, as Executive Secretary
“Members of Parliaments’ personal or secretarial assistants often have to work at midnight or later, work extremely long hours at short notice, and need to have the complete confidence of the Member of Parliament. Spouses are in a unique position to provide that service.”
Malcolm Bruce
Liberal Democrat MP for Gordon
Employs wife, Rosemary Bruce, as Office Manager and Diary Secretary
“Having my wife as office manager, diary secretary and constituency PA operating from an office in our home is invaluable not only to me but, I strongly believe, to constituents and other organisations I deal with as part of my parliamentary and constituency duties.”
David Clelland
Labour MP for Tyne Bridge
Employs wife, Brenda Graham, as Secretary
“My own wife has worked for me for 23 years (although she has only been my wife for 5 years). She is an Honours graduate in History and Politics and came to me from a very senior job with the Association of Metropolitan Authorities in London ... she is the hardest working person I have ever known.”
Roger Gale
Conservative MP for Thanet North
Employs wife, Suzy Gale, as Office Manager
“My wife Suzy was and remains as committed to the task as I am myself and I quite simply could not have devoted the time and energy that I have put into parliamentary life without her rock-solid support and backing not only as my wife but as what is now known as my 'Chief of Staff’.”
David Hamilton
Labour MP for Midlothian
Employs wife, Jean Hamilton, as Office Manager
“Whilst my staff is happy to work out of hours I am not prepared to call on them late at night as a matter of routine. The nature of the fusion between personal and professional relationships with my wife removes this problem and I am able to call upon 24/7 support.”
Iain Liddell-Grainger
Conservative MP for Bridgwater
Employs wife, Jill Liddell-Grainger, as Research/Parliamentary Assistant
“The public only observe the closeness of the relationship and may assume – wrongly I contend – that preferential treatment has been given to the new employee. I rely on Jill to be my eyes, ears and common sense thermometer – 24 hours a day. She is as much on duty in our village as she is ... at Westminster.”
Peter Luff
Conservative MP for Mid Worcestershire
Employs wife, Julia Luff, as Secretary
“This entirely normal relationship brings great advantages to the work of MPs and so to their constituents, as well as help sustain their family relationships which are put under great strain by an MP’s lifestyle. My wife wanted to return to work, but also needed to because of the large salary drop I took to become an MP … The ability to employ my wife was central to my decision to become an MP and I would seriously consider leaving the House if I were no longer allowed to do so.”
John Mann
Labour MP for Bassetlaw
Employs wife, Joanna White, as Office Manager
“All staff related to MPs and all staff holding elected public office should be job evaluated independently and immediately and appropriate action taken if they are found to be overpaid or not carrying out the duties listed in their contract of employment.”
Andrew Miller
Labour MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston
Employs wife, Fran Miller, as part-time Secretary/Office Manager, and cousin, Julie Spencer, as part-time Senior Researcher/Parliamentary Assistant
“My wife would have been paid more [if] she [had] continued as a school teacher, she works for me for four days a week, although in reality does considerable more than that where she is not paid, including as I have pointed out to the Daily Telegraph, work at weekends and discussion on casework on the telephone late at night.”
Meg Munn
Labour MP for Sheffield Heeley
Employs husband, Dennis Bates, as part-time Researcher/Parliamentary Assistant and sister-in-law, Deborah Stenton, as Caseworker/Secretarial Assistant
“New arrangements should be in place for staff to ensure they are being appropriately employed … the MP could make a statement on why they believe the person is capable of undertaking the tasks in the job description, including previous experience and qualifications. This could provide greater reassurance that any relatives who are employed are suitable for the job.”
Nick Palmer
Labour MP for Broxtowe
Employs wife, Fiona Palmer, as part-time Senior Caseworker
“It really is very useful to have an assistant available out of working hours, and if this is to be a long-term commitment then a family member or partner is the only plausible candidate. Open recruitment would not work if the assistant has to be on hand at (say) 11pm on a Sunday night.”
Ian Taylor
Conservative MP for Esher and Walton
Employs wife, Carole Taylor, as part-time Senior Parliamentary Assistant
“I do employ my wife part time under contract, and she in fact works under direction of my senior staff member. She not only contributes but feels involved in the work I do.”
Matthew Taylor
Liberal Democrat MP for Truro and St Austell
Employs wife, Victoria Taylor, as part-time Researcher
“As with many small businesses this can be the most viable way of running an MPs’ office and keeping family together, especially given MPs are working at two ends of the country and unsocial hours.”
David Wilshire
Conservative MP for Spelthorne
Employs partner, Ann Palmer, as Office Manager
“My partner … has a formal job description and a proper contract … She has the necessary skills and her personal knowledge of my constituency is second to none … she devotes many additional hours without extra pay ... Additionally, it enables us to see each other during the working week.”
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