To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what progress has been made on his Department’s mediation with a counsellor initiative; and if he will make a statement. (231818)

[holding answer 30 October 2008]: The Department has successfully been running a mediation pilot for employees in selected parts of Jobcentre Plus and Pension, Disability and Carers Service since 9 June 2008. The pilot offers mediation as a voluntary alternative to the formal grievance procedures. The pilot is due to finish on 9 January 2009 and it will then be evaluated. Following this a decision will be taken about whether to offer mediation on a permanent basis.