I refer to the recent 3% + 3% Framework Document and in particular to the Government initiative of extended hours of service. Extended hours is designed to improve services to the public. This initiative relies on the introduction of flexible hours of business by requiring government organisations providing services direct to the public, to open for extended hours at least one day a week to cater for working people who cannot readily access government services during normal business hours.

The Public Employment Office (PEO) is holding discussions with appropriate unions to develop guidelines and an implementation process. In order to advance this initiative it is necessary to have a clear picture of the current situation and some knowledge of agency proposals. Therefore, I would appreciate your agency's co-operation in providing the following information:

1. What services are currently provided by the use of extended hours?
2. What services are proposed to be provided by the use of extended hours?
3. What would be the preferred time for offering extended hours and what
   staffing arrangements are proposed? For example, "time" may be late night
   opening on a weeknight or providing services on a Saturday. Staffing may
   be by volunteer roster or some other arrangement.
4. What are the industrial instruments that may impact on your proposal/s and
   what are the restrictions that would inhibit its implementation?

Your agency's response should be returned to the PEO by 31 January 1996. It is requested that your response be prepared in the attached format. Sample forms are provided for your information. A nil return would be appreciated where appropriate.

As outlined above, negotiations with the unions on implementation guidelines are incomplete. In developing proposals, however, agencies should expect that there will be some costs in terms of allowances and/or penalty rates for staff required to work extended hours. As an example only, work between 6.00pm and 9.00pm on a weeknight may attract a loading of about 15% and work on a Saturday may attract a penalty payment of time and a quarter. Any implementation costs will have to be met from existing budgets.

The PEO will keep agencies informed of the outcome of discussions with the unions. Any enquiries may be directed to Doug Cowell on telephone number 228 3575. Your assistance in this task is most appreciated.

Yours sincerely

KEN CRIPPS
Commissioner