STAFF CUTS IN DCMS

Early day motion 584, tabled 16 October 2012 by John McDonnell (Labour). Signed by 28 members.

That this House notes with concern that all staff working in the Department for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport (DCMS) on 20 September 2012 were issued with letters stating they are at risk of redundancy; further notes that this came within weeks of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games whose success was due in no small part to the hard work and dedication of DCMS staff; believes that DCMS is key to ensuring a lasting Olympic legacy for the UK; recognises that DCMS has significantly helped to increase UK revenue including the 5.7 million surplus the Government made from sport in 2011;recognises that eight of the top 10 attractions in 2011 were DCMS-sponsored museums; is concerned that current plans to impose a 50 per cent reduction in administration costs within DCMS leading to the loss of 80 staff will be hugely damaging to the scope and effectiveness of the Department and staff morale; and therefore calls on the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport to scrap these plans and work with trade unions to avoid job losses and strengthen the Department.

Signatures by party: Labour 22, Plaid Cymru 3, Green 1, Labour/Co-operative 1, Respect 1.