VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Trade Unions: Finance

Asked by Mike WoodConservativeCabinet OfficeTabled Answered 13 October 2025UIN 77544

The question

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what his Department's policy is on allowing trade union activities to be funded from trade union facility time at public expense.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds

The Cabinet Office Facility Time Framework states that the default position within the Civil Service is that paid time off will not be given for trade union activities. In exceptional circumstances, should a department wish to provide paid time off for activities, it will need to be agreed by their Secretary of State or Chief Executive.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim