asked the Minister for Labour if in the light of our urgent job crisis, he will make a statement on: (a) the progress to date on job-sharing; and (b) the future measures designed to secure job-sharing.
Written Answers. - Job-Sharing.
131.
Job-sharing is one of a number of elements embodied in the more general concept of work-sharing. Government policy as outlined in Building on Reality 1985-87 is that, while it is clear that work-sharing measures can represent only a limited element in the resolution of the unemployment problem, it is committed to the promotion of work-sharing in the market sector of the economy. The Government's view is that developments in this area should be conducted within the framework of the voluntary collective bargaining system and that a case-by-case approach should be adopted which would take account of local circumstances.
The Government has introduced certain measures to promote work-sharing in the public service. A job sharing scheme was introduced in the Civil Service in February 1984. The scheme involves two people equally sharing the duties and responsibilities of a particular post in return for half the usual pay and benefits. Up to the end of July 1985, 191 had commenced job-sharing. The Government has also made a commitment to recruit a further 180 staff on a job-sharing basis to the grades of clerical assistant, clerical officer and executive officer during 1985. By the end of July 1985, 109 of these had been recruited and assigned. A career break scheme has also been introduced in the Civil Service, health and local authority sectors. The most recent figures available show that 1,930 persons have taken advantage of the opportunity provided by the scheme. All state agencies have been asked to consider the feasibility of introducing similar schemes in their own area of responsibility.