25.
Such difficulties are sometimes, but not always, reflected in the private sector and pay levels may be adjusted in accordance with the principle of fair comparison.
(k) Job Content
(1)
There are certain jobs, the duties of which are generally recognised as being of a complex nature or as involving the exercise of a greater than usual responsibility or a supervisory role. This factor is extremely difficult to measure and its recognition cannot be dealt with by any simple formula of incremental credit or allowance.
Qualifications Over and Above the Minimum
In a few grades qualifications over and above those required for entry to the grade may be regarded as enhancing an officer's value to government.
VI Career Prospects
The key principle affecting career prospects in the civil service is the principle that posts are created only on the basis of a functional need. This means that ranks, their size, and thus promotion opportunities within a grade, depend on the number of jobs which can be clearly identified as having different duties and levels of responsibility. It further means that an officer's career prospects may vary considerably depending on the grade to which he belongs and the number and size of the promotion ranks within that grade. Even when two grades have an identical number of promotion posts, prospects may vary due to differences in the age patterns of the occupants of the promotion ranks.
26.
The representations received by the Commission are virtually unanimous in urging improved or more equal career prospects although many recognise that within an organisation such as the civil service, with a very wide range of jobs, the extent to which equality of opportunity can be achieved is very limited. While recognising the difficulties involved and that not all civil servants can expect promotion, the Commission is considering a number of suggestions which might help to reduce some of the inequalities which presently exist. The Commission would welcome comments on these suggestions, details of which are given below, and any other proposals which staff or management may have for improving career prospects in the civil service.
/Widening