Menu
01/06/2009
Assembly Seeks 'Equality' On Civil Service Pay
There should be equal pay for work of equal value, Stormont Finance and Personnel Minister Nigel Dodds insisted.
He said on Monday that he is determined to establish a civil service pay and grading system that ensures such equality.
Speaking following an Assembly debate on equal pay claims, Mr Dodds said: "I am concerned that we should bring matters to a conclusion as quickly as possible but, given the scale and complexity of the issues involved, I am also concerned to see that we do so in a manner that is compatible with our legal obligations.
"We must be fully informed by the facts, and in a way that ensures both a fair and robust pay and grading structure, and a civil service pay system that is affordable into the future," he said.
"The issue currently facing the Northern Ireland Civil Service is not new. The issues we are now working hard to understand and resolve were inherited by us from Direct Rule Ministers, but this administration will deal with them, once and for all," continued the senior NI Executive member.
"We are also determined that will we establish pay and grading arrangements for civil servants that will ensure that we do not find ourselves in this position again in the future," he continued.
The Minister confirmed that he had instructed his officials to work with the trade union to establish whether a negotiated settlement to the issue was possible.
He also reported that he had met with union officials from NIPSA who had confirmed to him that they too were committed to this approach and that they would work with his officials to try and achieve this objective.
On the question on timescales, the Minister said that he could not give a timescale within which he might achieve a resolution of the issue, but that work was underway and neither side would delay matters unreasonably.
"There are those that would accuse me or my officials of delaying efforts to seek a resolution to this matter, but I refute any such allegations.
"I have stated in the Assembly Chamber repeatedly my determination to see this matter resolved," he said.
Looking ahead, Mr Dodds stressed the need to ensure that the Civil Service had a pay system that could demonstrate that equal pay is paid for work of equal value.
(BMcC/JM)
He said on Monday that he is determined to establish a civil service pay and grading system that ensures such equality.
Speaking following an Assembly debate on equal pay claims, Mr Dodds said: "I am concerned that we should bring matters to a conclusion as quickly as possible but, given the scale and complexity of the issues involved, I am also concerned to see that we do so in a manner that is compatible with our legal obligations.
"We must be fully informed by the facts, and in a way that ensures both a fair and robust pay and grading structure, and a civil service pay system that is affordable into the future," he said.
"The issue currently facing the Northern Ireland Civil Service is not new. The issues we are now working hard to understand and resolve were inherited by us from Direct Rule Ministers, but this administration will deal with them, once and for all," continued the senior NI Executive member.
"We are also determined that will we establish pay and grading arrangements for civil servants that will ensure that we do not find ourselves in this position again in the future," he continued.
The Minister confirmed that he had instructed his officials to work with the trade union to establish whether a negotiated settlement to the issue was possible.
He also reported that he had met with union officials from NIPSA who had confirmed to him that they too were committed to this approach and that they would work with his officials to try and achieve this objective.
On the question on timescales, the Minister said that he could not give a timescale within which he might achieve a resolution of the issue, but that work was underway and neither side would delay matters unreasonably.
"There are those that would accuse me or my officials of delaying efforts to seek a resolution to this matter, but I refute any such allegations.
"I have stated in the Assembly Chamber repeatedly my determination to see this matter resolved," he said.
Looking ahead, Mr Dodds stressed the need to ensure that the Civil Service had a pay system that could demonstrate that equal pay is paid for work of equal value.
(BMcC/JM)
Related Northern Ireland Recruitment News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
20 November 2009
Civil Servants Pay Deal Offer Reported
There have been reports that a pay deal aimed at settling a long-running civil service dispute over equal pay may be on the horizon.
Civil Servants Pay Deal Offer Reported
There have been reports that a pay deal aimed at settling a long-running civil service dispute over equal pay may be on the horizon.
08 February 2010
FG Accuse Gov Over Civil Servant Pay
The leading opposition party has accused the Government of planning to revoke senior civil servant pay cuts. Fine Gael's finance spokesman Richard Bruton said the Government was preparing to "force a vote in the Daíl" into accepting a reduction in the pay cuts for top civil servants.
FG Accuse Gov Over Civil Servant Pay
The leading opposition party has accused the Government of planning to revoke senior civil servant pay cuts. Fine Gael's finance spokesman Richard Bruton said the Government was preparing to "force a vote in the Daíl" into accepting a reduction in the pay cuts for top civil servants.
17 February 2015
Police Forces Support Improved Pay Offer
Members of Unite the union, working for police forces in England and Wales have backed an improved pay offer in a ballot, it has been announced. Civilian staff, including 999 call handlers, scene of crime officers, police community support officers and custody officers, accepted the revised pay offer of 2.2%, or £400, whichever is greater, by 92%.
Police Forces Support Improved Pay Offer
Members of Unite the union, working for police forces in England and Wales have backed an improved pay offer in a ballot, it has been announced. Civilian staff, including 999 call handlers, scene of crime officers, police community support officers and custody officers, accepted the revised pay offer of 2.2%, or £400, whichever is greater, by 92%.
30 January 2015
Union Seals Better Pay Deal For Woolwich Ferry Workers
A strike by Woolwich Ferry workers has been averted after Unite the union secured a better pay deal for the workforce, and persuaded ferry operator Briggs Marine to abandon threats to tear up long-standing agreements.
Union Seals Better Pay Deal For Woolwich Ferry Workers
A strike by Woolwich Ferry workers has been averted after Unite the union secured a better pay deal for the workforce, and persuaded ferry operator Briggs Marine to abandon threats to tear up long-standing agreements.
18 September 2014
DSG Workers To Ballot For Industrial Action Over Pay Dispute
Workers at the cash-rich Defence Support Group (DSG) are being balloted for industrial action in a dispute over pay, as the group faces being sold off to the private sector next year.
DSG Workers To Ballot For Industrial Action Over Pay Dispute
Workers at the cash-rich Defence Support Group (DSG) are being balloted for industrial action in a dispute over pay, as the group faces being sold off to the private sector next year.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
