TNAG-0130-FCO40-166-Staff-Associations-and-Trade-Unions-1969 — Page 55

CONFIDENTIAL

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Independent Grievances Machinery

An Establishment Circular was issued earlier this year with the staff side's agreement explaining the channels open to individu als to air grievances. In continuation of this, the General Purposes Com- mittee of the Senior Civil Service Council is currently considering setting up a sub-committee to examine possible ways of improving the promotion machinery to safeguard the interests of individuals (e.g. by improving the confidential report system).

Age of Retirement

As will be seen from minutes 42/1 to 42/2 of the enclosed Minutes, this matter is very much under consideration by the Senior Civil Service Council and it is hoped to communicate the Government's decision in the near future on a staff side "package deal" proposal that extension of service to 60 should be coupled with right of retire- ment with pension at 45.

GLISH

Encl.

CONFIDENTIAL