Minister says no forced job loss

Press, 25 September 1987, Page 1

Minister says no forced job loss

Political reporter No compulsory redundancies would arise from the April 1 creation of nine State-owned enterprises, said the Minister of State Services, Mr Rodger, yesterday. Less than a week before September 30 — the date when those still seeking redeployment would have been declared compulsorily redundant — positions had been found for the last two persons declared surplus. Mr Rodger said that this vindicated his early optimism that compulsory redundancy would not be necessary. He was delighted that news media predictions of mass sackings had been proved wrong. About 60,000 staff were affected by corporatisation, The Government expects to pay out $900,000 in fees and expenses to the directors and chairmen of State-owned enterprises said the Under-secretary of S.O.E.S, Mr Neilson, yesterday. Each director could claim $5OO for each day spent on board business, while chairmen were entitled to $6OO. Allowing for two days of business a month, and adding travel, hotel and other expenses, the annual cost would be about $900,000.