Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, pursuant to the Answer of 12 October 2026 to Question 30032 on DfT Operator, when DfT Operator Limited expects to finalise its trade union recognition agreement; what level of facility time is envisaged under that agreement as (a) an annual cash cost and (b) a percentage of pay; and whether the Civil Service facility time framework will apply to that company.

DfT Operator Limited has agreed a voluntary recognition agreement with the recognised trade unions and is progressing formal completion, with the agreed arrangements already operating in practice.

The agreement does not prescribe a fixed facility time entitlement, budget or payroll percentage. Instead, reasonable paid time off for accredited representatives will be managed in line with legislation, ACAS guidance and operational requirements. As facility time will vary according to operational need and levels of trade union activity, it is not currently possible to provide a reliable estimate of its annual cost or proportion of payroll.

Facility time arrangements will be managed proportionately, balancing statutory obligations, operational delivery and value for money considerations.