Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with trade union representatives of (a) former staff of the Department for International Development and (b) his departmental staff on harmonising staff terms and conditions.
DFID and FCO senior officials informed their respective Trade Union representatives as soon as the creation of the FCDO was announced. Since then, there have been regular meetings between FCDO senior officials and the recognised FCDO Trade Unions (FDA, PCS & Prospect). These discussions have not involved the Secretary of State directly. We are working closely with the trade unions on the future design of FCDO terms and conditions and will formally consult as required on any specific areas of policy as work progresses.