36
Wednesday, March 27, 1974
REVIEW OF CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES
Back-Dating Difficult To Avoid
The Colonial Secretary, the Hon. Denys Roberts, today replied
to comments on the public service made by his unofficial colleagues during
the resumed Budget debate a fortnight ago.
On a suggestion that no back-pay should be given when civil service
salaries are reviewed, he explained that an important factor, which must
be taken into account in any review of civil service salaries, is the
need to ensure that they do not lead the private sector.
"Therefore, the usual practice is to collect information on the
salaries payable in private businesses at a particular date," Mr. Roberts said.
"It therefore seems fair that this date should be the effective
one for changes made in public service salaries."
The Colonial Secretary added that although he agrees that the
payment of arrears for long periods is undesirable, some "back-dating is
unavoidable."
Mr. Roberts referred to another suggestion that the government
consider pro-engagement courses for various grades in the civil service,
in order to find out if applicants are of the right material.
He pointed out that at present there are several student grades
in the public service which serve the functions his unofficial colleague
has in mind.
But he added that the government will investigate the possibility
of establishing further grades of this nature when the opportunity arises.
/On the