Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what consultation has taken place with recognised trade unions regarding the introduction or use of automated decision-making systems affecting staff.

The UK’s data protection legislation is a principles-based framework and does not prescribe specific consultation requirements for particular operational systems. Organisations are responsible for applying the requirements of the legislation within their own operational context and must ensure any processing of personal data complies with applicable legal requirements.

In the case of the Cabinet Office, there has been no consultation between the Cabinet Office and recognised trade unions regarding the introduction or use of automated decision making systems affecting staff.

However, it is acknowledged that the relationship between the Cabinet Office and recognised trade unions is of significant importance and that any potential future consultation on this subject will be conducted fully in line with the principles of the Cabinet Office and trade union partnership framework.