Trade Union Time and Payments

I am writing to obtain information about the total amount of money paid to trade unions by your organisation and the amount of staff time spent on trade union activities. I am requesting:

1.  The total amount of money paid to all trade unions for financial periods a) 2009-10 and b) 2010-11 broken down by trade union. 

2.  For each trade union for which it applies, please provide the number of Full Time Equivalent (FTE) staff working for the union (this is sometimes called ‘Trade Union facility time’) in a) 2009-10 and b) 2010-11.

Thank you for your e-mail dated 2nd August 2011. I can confirm that Ordnance Survey does hold the information you have requested and we respond to each of your questions in turn:

1. Ordnance Survey does not pay money directly to the trade unions representing staff. 

2. Ordnance Survey is able to provide this information as a total TUS (Trade Union Side) response as two trade unions are recognised by Ordnance Survey. However, the representation of one trade union across the organisation is so small it does not impact on the overall figures.

Part time staff are defined as those who spend at least one dedicated day per week on union activities as part of their normal role.

There is one person who works on a full time basis within the TUS, and there are three staff working part time on trade union activities.  Overall, this would equate to 2.20 FTE staff. This figure will be the same for both years.

Please note your enquiry has been processed according to the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2000. As all the requested information has been provided, we have determined that in all the circumstances of this case the Public interest consideration (section 17 FOIA) is not applicable in this instance.

If you are unhappy with our response, you may raise an appeal to our Appeals Officer at:

FOI Appeals Officer
Customer Service Centre
Ordnance Survey
Adanac Drive
SOUTHAMPTON
SO16 0AS

Please include the reference number below. The Appeals Officer will ensure that the process has been followed correctly, questioning any decisions taken regarding the original response and recommending disclosure of additional information if appropriate.

Thank you for your enquiry.

Reference number: FOI11207/August 2011