Andrew Dismore

Brexit

Question No: 2017/0554

Andrew Dismore

Do you agree with the findings of the London Chamber of Commerce and Innovation survey of just over 500 firms, that cutting immigration into the UK would have a negative impact on London’s economic growth, according to over half of these capital’s businesses; and that three in five firms said London should prioritise growth, even if that means increasing EU migration?

 

Written response from the Mayor

 

It is clear that access to skills and talent is one of the primary attractions for businesses locating in London. Even with freedom of movement, many employers are raising the issue of skills shortages. My Skills for Londoners will bring a stronger strategic approach to the long term skills and training opportunities in the capital. London, as the world’s leading city, will always draw on a rich supply of global talent and skills to remain competitive. Any future immigration system will need to ensure this for the good of the capital and country – as when London grows, the UK grows.

 

 

South Asian and Chinese restaurants

Question No: 2017/0556

Andrew Dismore

London’s south Asian and Chinese restaurants are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit the skilled staff they need, especially chefs,  which is threatening the future continuity of business for many, with some closures already. This is primarily down to Government immigration policy. Will you conduct a survey of this sector to establish the full extent of the problem and make representations to Government to allow this important and popular sector of London’s hospitality industry to thrive?

 

Written response from the Mayor

 

There are a number of reasons why some parts of the restaurants industry may face challenges in recruiting sufficient skilled staff. I know that the breadth and excellence of our restaurant sector, as part of the wider hospitality industry, helps to make London one of the greatest food cities in the world.

 

I am committed to London remaining open to the world and I will continue to urge the Government to make sure we have a flexible visa system that supports businesses to recruit talent and meet skills needs, where these cannot be met domestically.

 

 

Metropolitan Police procurement

Question No: 2017/0580

Andrew Dismore

What is your estimate of the effect of the post-Brexit drop in the value of Stirling on the Met.’s future procurement of a) vehicles and b) marine craft?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

 

TfL staff from other EU countries

Question No: 2017/0581

Andrew Dismore

How many staff presently employed by TfL are nationals of other EU countries?

Written response from the Mayor

TfL checks the right to work for all candidates at the interview stage. This may be a valid working visa or EU passport from any EU country. TfL does not record the specific country in the case of EU passports so it is not possible for TfL to provide the number you request.

The nationality of candidates for roles at TfL is collected on a self-declaration basis only and, therefore, could not be used to accurately count the number of staff from other EU countries.

 

LFB staff from other EU countries

Question No: 2017/0582

Andrew Dismore

How many a) operational and b) FRS staff presently employed by London Fire Brigade are nationals of other EU countries?

Written response from the Mayor

When appointing staff, the London Fire Brigade (LFB) ensures that they have the right to work in the UK.

At present, LFB staff data sets do not record nationality or allow LFB to distinguish between UK, EU (excluding UK), and other nationals.

 

This information could only be determined by checking individual staff files. This will be reviewed when legislative changes are proposed or the Government issues guidance.

 

Met Police staff from other EU countries

Question No: 2017/0583

Andrew Dismore

How many a) warranted officers b) civilian staff and c) special constables presently employed by the Metropolitan Police are nationals of other EU countries?

Written response from the Mayor

As of the 31^st December the total MPS workforce was 44,036 and comprised of the following EU nationals:

 

Warranted officers                           708

Police Staff (including PCSOs)    295

Special Constables                         237

 

GLA staff from other EU countries

Question No: 2017/0584

Andrew Dismore

How many staff presently employed by GLA are nationals of other EU countries?

Written response from the Mayor

The GLA does not routinely ask for details of nationality at the point of recruitment or commencement. We collect all equalities data as required by the Equality Act and we, of course, request proof of eligibility to work in the United Kingdom.

The HR system allows staff to include nationality information on the employee self-service module of the system but many staff have chosen not to do this.

Therefore we only have data on the nationality of 70% of the workforce, those staff who have chosen to enter this. The data is therefore not comprehensive.

 

From this data, 34 people (4.2%) are recorded as nationals of other EU countries.

 

TfL procurement

Question No: 2017/0585

Andrew Dismore

What is your estimate of the effect of the post-Brexit drop in the value of Stirling on TfL’s future procurement of a) buses b) underground trains and c) other equipment?

Written response from the Mayor

TfL is exposed to foreign currency movements through major procurements and has procedures in place to identify and mitigate this exposure during the procurement process, when they become certain and after a contract is agreed. Any currency exposure ultimately depends on the identity of the successful bidder, so it is impossible to estimate what this impact could be until after contracts are finalised.

TfL has a number of active procurements, including the purchase of rolling stock, which may result in currency exposure. However, these procurements are commercially sensitive and, as such, it would not be appropriate to comment on specific projects. At any given time, TfL manages financial risk relating to exchange rate movement of £100m to £200m. TfL keeps this risk under close review as each procurement progresses.

TfL does not anticipate any impact in relation to bus procurement as bus services are delivered under concession agreements with bus operators. The bus operators purchase the majority of buses on the network, not TfL, and TfL does not anticipate a potential future drop in the value of Sterling to impact on negotiating future contracts with these operators.

 

GLA procurement

Question No: 2017/0586

Andrew Dismore

What is your estimate of the effect of the post-Brexit drop in the value of Stirling on GLA’s future procurement?

Written response from the Mayor

Officers are drafting a response which will be sent shortly.

 

Met vehicle replacement programme and Brexit

Question No: 2017/0612

Andrew Dismore

Reports suggest that the Met has a replacement programme costing £21 million to replace 700 vehicles in 2017/18, including 250 Hybrid electric or alternative energy vehicles. What is your best estimate of how much more this replacement programme is costing, than would have been the case if Sterling had not been devalued as against the dollar and euro consequent on the Brexit referendum last year?

Written response from the Mayor

At the present time we have not forecast any additional costs to the vehicle replacement programme as a result of Sterling devaluing.

All vehicles are purchased from the Crown Commercial Services framework and a competitive process normally results in significant discounts against retail prices.