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MPs have joined a parliamentary campaign to prevent ministers reducing pay-outs to civil servants when they are made redundant. A total of 105 MPs from across the political spectrum have signed an early day motion (EDM) expressing ‘deep concern' at ‘disappointing and unfair' proposals to cap redundancy payments to Whitehall staff as departments seek to axe thousands of jobs during the spending squeeze. Cabinet Office minister, Tessa Jowell, announced last year plans to limit redundancy packages for staff to two years' pay, even for long-serving personnel. The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) trade union, which represents civil servants, said the move would slash up to one-third off current redundancy packages, just as ministers were poised to implement thousands of job cuts and relocate staff outside London. The PCS is behind the EDM, which is now gaining strong support from MPs concerned about the way the Government is treating its own staff. PCS general secretary, Mark Serwotka, said: ‘The Government needs to pay heed to the political pressure that is mounting over these unfair and unilateral changes. ‘More than 100 MPs recognise that the Government should be protecting those who have given loyal service over a number of years.' Mr Serwotka has also considered a legal challenge to the Cabinet Office decision, and threatened strikes, should staff support such action. Senior Conservatives said they would watch the situation ‘with great interest'. Some Tories, including shadow chancellor, George Osborne, have called for cost-saving measures to be introduced to the local government retirement scheme.

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WHITEHALL

MPs join pay-out cap battle

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