We welcome any initiatives to improve conditions for staff, but we want to ensure that the helpline really does give substantive help. Having produced the evidence that convinced the Commons Commission that the line should be created, the Branch is certain that those answering the calls must be fully trained in employment law. We are now working with the Commons authorities to ensure that it is a comprehensive and helpful service.
The helpline will not override the need for other reforms to procedures however. For example unless substantial improvements to existing grievance procedures are put in place, a staff member calling to make a complaint of harassment will have served little purpose as current grievance procedures are woefully inadequate to handle these complaints.