In a written question to the Work and Pensions Secretary, Charles Walker asks about the bonus system for Disability and Carers Service staff.

Mr. Walker: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what bonus system is in place for Disability and Carers Service staff. [127534]

Mrs. McGuire: Information concerning Disability and Carers Service staff is a matter for their Chief Executive, Mr. Terry Moran. He will write to the hon. Member with the information requested.

Letter from Vivien Hopkins, dated 24 April 2007:

You asked the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what bonus system is in place for Disability and Carers Service staff.

The Minister for Disabled People, Anne McGuire MP, promised you a substantive reply from the Chief Executive of the Disability and Carers Service. In his absence, I am replying.

DWP operates an individual performance bonus scheme for employees in all of its Businesses including the Disability and Carers Service. Non-consolidated bonus payments are awarded to employees on the basis of their individual performance, which is assessed as part of the Departmental Performance and Development system. Individual performance bonuses are paid after the completion of the performance year.

In addition to this, DWP have also paid team bonuses to selected units within the Department. No team bonus schemes have run since 2004/2005.

Teams and individuals may also be entitled to modest Special Bonus payments in recognition of particular pieces of exceptional work. These payments can be made at any time at the discretion of the local manager either as cash amounts or in the form of a high street voucher.

I trust this is helpful.

| Hansard"