This is to formally advise that the Public Employment Office (PEO) in Premier's Department is conducting a sector wide survey of employee retirement intentions over June and July 2005.

The survey is one of the key projects under the NSW Public Sector Workforce Planning Strategic Framework and Action Plan 2004-2006. It will be used to inform policy on retention of older employees. This includes getting more precise data on the effects of superannuation and flexible working arrangements on the retirement and resignation decisions of employees.

The survey targets employees over 45 and will be conducted in July. The survey will be distributed in paper form with a reply-paid envelope; or alternatively in electronic form via a secure website. It should take only 10 minutes or so to complete. Employee responses will be anonymous.

For practical and privacy reasons, agencies with staff of less than 100 FTE will only be able to access the Premier's website to undertake the survey.

PEO is in the process of contacting agencies to arrange coordinators and work out logistics for the distribution and promotion of the survey.

Unions NSW has been consulted about the survey and has written to all affiliates encouraging their participation. The survey also has the endorsement of the major superannuation funds, State Super (STC) and First State Super (FTC).

All CEOs will be provided with a final report, and individual agency reports will be available as long as statistical validity and privacy standards are met.

This is a great opportunity for employees to have a direct input on issues that affect their working lives. The more employees who respond, the more representative it will be. I would appreciate your support in encouraging staff to participate.

Col Gellatly
Director-General

This Circular has not superseded any other Memoranda/Circular