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58.
With few exceptions the response has been that the aim should be to eliminate the differences between Model Scale 1 and Master Pay Scale employees. We respect this view but after very careful consideration we have decided to defer any advice on the long term future of Model Scale 1 employees until such time as we, the staff concerned and management have an opportunity to study all the consequences. Certainly we would not wish to make recommendations which may determine the future of Model Scale 1 employees without much greater consultation than we have been able to have to date.
59.
Our decision to defer consideration of the future of Model Scale 1 employees should not deter Government from further reducing the differences in Model Scale 1 and Master Pay Scale fringe benefits. However, we would recommend that for the time being no further action should be taken on pensionability for Model Scale 1 employees since the representations we have received tend to confirm our impression that employees in this category are more interested in a cash benefit than a pension. Meanwhile we will investigate the possibility of the introduction of a non-contributory provident fund or some other superannuation arrangement.
60.
Our examination of the situation relating to Model Scale 1 employees has brought to light a number of features which we regard as unsatisfactory and which we bring to Government's attention :
(a)
(b)
Model Scale 1
The term "Model Scale 1" to describe the pay scales on which this group of employees serve is a relic from the time when all civil servants below directorate level served on a number of model scales. With the disappearance of other model scales, its continued use is in our opinion no longer appropriate. It is neither descriptive of the employees concerned nor meaningful within the general civil service pay structure.
Generic Titles
The use of the terms "unskilled" and "semi-skilled" in various publications and correspondence to describe the first two segments of Model Scale 1 is regarded by employees serving on these segments as insulting and offensive. We agree with them and believe the use of such terms is one of the reasons why we have received so many requests for changes in titles. We therefore suggest that more appropriate generic terms be used in future.
/(c)