Written evidence submitted by First Division
Association (FDA) union
Thank you for your invitation to submit written evidence
to the Administration Committee's review of catering services
in the House of Commons. The FDA represents over 120 staff in
the House of Commons. The following submission reflects comments
made by FDA members in response to your terms of reference.
- The standard of service in House of Commons catering
outlets is generally considered to be high. FDA members appreciate
that catering services operate in a demanding political environment,
where they are subject to greater scrutiny than the average work
canteen.
- Overcrowding is a problem at peak times, particularly
in the Debate cafeteria at lunch times. Overcrowding does not
only occur when the House is sitting, but also during recesses
when other outlets are often closed for refurbishment and staff
have a more restricted choice of where to eat.
- Many of the outlets in the House of Commons are
used as meeting venues as well as places to eat. A range of outlets
is needed to suit the different types of meeting with Members/staff/external
guests etc. However, more could be done to differentiate between
the various catering outlets serving different needs. For example,
some outlets could offer a more diverse and elaborate menu with
others serving plainer food at lower prices. This would increase
choice for staff.
- Improvements in labelling and nutritional information
have been welcomed, but could go further. For example, meals could
include calorie counts and an indication of what exactly is meant
by the colour coding system for low/medium/high fat content.
- FDA members would also value more information
on the sourcing and quality of ingredients, for example are all
eggs free-range? Which ingredients are fair-trade? From which
countries are seasonal ingredients sourced?
October 2010
|
