To ask the hon. Member for Banbury, representing the Church Commissioners, how many workers were (a) directly employed by the Church Commissioners and (b) indirectly employed by the Church Commissioners through other companies on zero hours contracts in each of the last 10 years.

Figures for the number of people directly employed by the Church Commissioners on temporary time sheet employment contracts are given as follows. This is the same system used for any person employed through a temporary staff agency.

The increase in 2009 is the result of putting the casual catering staff and security staff at Lambeth Palace on the payroll.

The Church Commissioners and other national church bodies make every effort to protect and support those who choose to be employed on this basis. This way of working is valued by those who take up these opportunities and many individuals have worked for the Church of England in this way for many years.

Unlike many employers when dealing with staff on ‘time sheet contracts’ the Church has chosen to make special provision to protect their employment rights.

Included in contracts for individuals are entitlements for annual leave, sick pay and sick leave, paid via the submission of timesheets. Where possible temporary staff employed on this basis are booked in advance, except when unexpected short term cover is required. Each individual has the opportunity to refuse the offer of employment if the work is not convenient and this would not prevent any consideration of subsequent offers of employment.

I am not aware that any indirectly employed staff contracted to work with the Church Commissioners are employed on zero hour contracts.