This answer applies to the “core” DTI and excludes UKTI and all Executive agencies. The Department has just completed a voluntary early severance/retirement scheme and is currently considering whether any further schemes may be needed in the future to support further reductions in posts.
No formal discussions have been held with HM Treasury about funding of redundancy schemes.
The Department holds regular meetings with the departmental trade union side to discuss potential staff surpluses and proposals for early severance schemes and is currently discussing with the unions implications for staff of meeting the Department’s reduced administration budget.
The following table sets out the number of officials who have taken voluntary severance/retirement and compulsory redundancy since January 2006:
2006 Grade Voluntary early severance or retirement Redundancy January Range 5 (Executive Officer) 1 — February Range 3 (Administrative Officer) 1 — Range 6 (Executive Officer) 1 — Range 10 (Grade 7) 1 — March Range 2 (Administrative Assistance) 4 — Range 3 1 — Range 4 (Administrative Officer) 2 — Range 5 2 — Range 6 1 15 Range 7 (Higher Executive Officer) 3 — Range 8 (Higher Executive Officer) 2 1 Range 9 (Senior Executive Officer) — 2 Range 10 3 1 Range 11 (Grade 6) 1 — April Senior Civil Service 1 — June Range 2 1 — Range 3 2 — Range 4 1 — Range 9 1 — Total 29 19
Group Voluntary severance/retirement Compulsory redundancy Business/Innovation 13 19 Energy 3 — Services 7 — Fair Markets 1 — Legal 3 — UKTI 2 — Total 29 19
The Department is working closely with HMT colleagues on preparations for the next Comprehensive Spending Review which should be resolved by summer 2007. Early discussions with the Treasury have focused on how the Department can make savings across all its budgets, including in the administration of the Department.
Staff considering voluntary early departures are able to access the Cabinet Office pensions website which explains the benefits available under the Civil Service Compensation Scheme, and those accepting are invited to attend either a pre-retirement course or a course covering job search, setting up a business and pursuing self-employment.