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Ofsted: Industrial Relations

Volume 479: debated on Monday 1 September 2008

To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families if he will intervene in the dispute between Ofsted and the trades unions Unison and PCS. (221537)

This is entirely a matter for Ofsted. Ministers have no powers to intervene. Ofsted has developed a new pay model, in consultation with staff and the trade unions to address some historic concerns about its salary structure. The new model is designed to be simple, fair and transparent, and has helped to secure an above average settlement of 3.8 per cent. from Her Majesty's Treasury. It is based on one salary rate for each grade and Ofsted considers it to be both competitive and affordable. I have been advised by Her Majesty's chief inspector, Christine Gilbert, that Ofsted has engaged in extensive discussions with the unions about the settlement. There is no further money available for pay and Ofsted is unable to respond to the trade union demands regardless of the actions they are taking or may take in the future.