“It is unknown what financial settlement has been reached with former Special Adviser to the Home Secretary, Fiona Cunningham. If she has been awarded severance pay this would amount to £37,000, which is the maximum possible and £10,000 above the UK national average wage. This would be considered unacceptable in light of the circumstances of her departure.”
Ends
Editor’s Notes:
Fiona Cunningham was on PB3: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/special-adviser-data-releases-numbers-and-costs-october-2013
The Special Adviser contract states: ‘if termination occurs at any time during the first year of service, you will receive three months‟ pay. For each additional completed year of service you will receive a month‟s pay, subject to a maximum of six months‟ pay’ (Special Advisers Model Contract p.10)
Fiona Cunningham was in post in June 2010, so she has completed four years: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/special-adviser-data-releases-numbers-and-costs
This means she would be entitled to the maximum six months’ pay - £37,000 (gross)