Pugh’s public sector bill
SOUTHPORT’S MP has introduced a bill in the House of Commons that he says is designed to empower frontline staff in public services.
John Pugh introduced his 10-minute rule bill, with cross party support yesterday (Wednesday) – asking all public sector organisations to listen to and respond to the suggestions of public sector employees for the improvement and efficiency of their service.
Public sector organisations employing more than 50 people will also have a legal duty to explain in their annual report how they do that – if his bill is successful.
The Lib Dem MP said: “Everyone knows at the moment that money for any public service is tight, as the Government grapples with crippling, historic debt.
“However, as someone who has worked in the public sector I know that committed and hard working staff are driven crazy by solutions that are imposed from on high – often at the suggestion of consultants and think tanks.
“Governments of all persuasions and service bosses just do not listen to the people actually doing the job day in day out. It’s time to make sure they do, to change the culture.
“Our own hospital is forced to pay ‘turnaround consultants’ £800 a day to tell them things that are blindingly obvious when the biggest source of good advice lies within.
“I don’t know a local teacher or policeman who isn’t exasperated by being asked in the name of efficiency and improved performance to implement quite pointless procedures. When these schemes from on high or a major restructuring does not work out, employees terms and conditions tend to take the hit.
“I am trying to stop that, to amplify the cry from the frontline and to allow those who do the work to help solve the problem. I have always strongly believed in the public sector ethos but I also believe in public sector potential – that people want to improve their service and want a proper voice in doing so.
“Why do the management consultants and the think tanks ignore that voice?”