The government is setting up grievances units throughout the civil service to consider complaints about injustices which government workers may have suffered as long ago as seven years.

The setting up of the units was announced in a circular issued by Mario Cutajar, Principal Permanent Secretary.

The units will be set up in ministries and groups of ministries.

Workers are being invited to personally report any injustice they may have suffered in the past seven years. Complaints have to be made in writing to the permanent secretary in each ministry and, as far as possible, be accompanied by documentation.

Cases presented to the courts or the Ombudsman will only be considered if new information is available. The units concerned will give due consideration to the decisions of the courts or the Ombdsman.

The units will, as far as possible, issue their recommendations within two months. Where cases are upheld, the units will recommend remedial action. The recommendations will be sent to a central unit for the investigation of injustices to ensure that there is consistency in the recommendations for remedial action.

Complaints can be submitted between next Tuesday and Monday March 10.