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Exceptions

Under the draft Bill the Commission will have more flexibility to determine the use of exceptions to the principle of recruitment on merit on the basis of fair and open competition. The Commissioners will clearly consider long and hard before agreeing to exceptions. But we accept that there are situations where the needs of the Civil Service, or its obligations as a major employer, mean that the principle can be set aside. This will usually be for limited periods and for defined aims. Such exemptions will, as now, be subject to audit by the Commissioners.