We queried with the Cabinet Office if it was normal practice to let a contract to an organisation that does not recognise trade unions.42 Although unable to give us a definitive answer at the time, the Cabinet Office subsequently wrote to the Committee to confirm that there is no government policy requiring trade union recognition in contracts.43 The Cabinet Office did say, however, that if non-recognition had a direct impact on performance, then it would be a concern from a value for money perspective.44 38 Qq 20-21 39 Qq 25-26 40 Letter from PCS union, 29 July 2025 41 PCS press release, MyCSP strike to be extended, 1 August 2025 42 Q 27 43 Letter from Cabinet Office, 28 July 2025 44 Q 29 12 Capita’s readiness for the transition