I've submitted an e-petition to the UK Treasury on zero hour contracts for MPs. Once I have the link I'll put it up here.
The proposal is as follows ...
"In a time of austerity, we need to
encourage community involvement and efficiency in the political
process whilst promoting innovation in technology, a UK growth
sector. The proposal is that all MPs should be put on zero hour contracts. On arrival at the House of Commons, constituents will vote
(e.g. via mobile phone app) on whether their MP is needed for the
day. For Ministers and Shadow Ministers, the entire electorate can
vote.
If it is determined that an MP is
needed then a standard daily rate plus expenses covering travel costs
will be provided. Special exceptions for non attendance (e.g.
overseas trips) are allowed.
Voting mechanism should be distributed
online and developed through a funded open source effort encouraging
community participation and technology innovation. Voting daily on
whether an MP is needed should stimulate both community involvement
in politics and focus MPs on delivering user needs.
The system should also be extended to
the House of Lords."
Link ... to be added.
According to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, employees are happier on zero hour contracts and it would therefore not only be unfair to deny our MPs the right to enjoy such privileges but by introducing them we could hopefully create a more participatory environment.
--- Update 28th April
Alas, the issue of whether or not we could have Zero Hour MPs has been rejected on the following grounds.
This e-petition has been rejected with the following reason given:
E-petitions cannot be used to request action on issues that are outside the responsibility of the government. This includes:
• party political material
• commercial endorsements including the promotion of any product, service or publication
• issues that are dealt with by devolved bodies, eg The Scottish Parliament
• correspondence on personal issues
--- Update 28th April
Alas, the issue of whether or not we could have Zero Hour MPs has been rejected on the following grounds.
This e-petition has been rejected with the following reason given:
E-petitions cannot be used to request action on issues that are outside the responsibility of the government. This includes:
• party political material
• commercial endorsements including the promotion of any product, service or publication
• issues that are dealt with by devolved bodies, eg The Scottish Parliament
• correspondence on personal issues
I'm somewhat perplexed as to why the contract arrangements of MPs are outside the responsibility of Government or would be considered party political or how any of the other clauses apply?
