The following has been received from PCS Group:
The NEC has called a meeting of negotiators from all of the delegated bargaining units across the civil service about PCS actions in relation to our serious concern about the delays and difficulties in implementing our national agreement reached in December. This has been set for 26 March, and will follow a special NEC meeting the same day, at which the action to take will be discussed.
The meeting will consider an update on the talks with treasury and the cabinet office as well as feedback on negotiations with departments, agencies and other bodies. A full report of the outcome of the meeting will be issued shortly afterwards.
Minister highlights great work of DWP staff
Employment minister Tony McNulty this week highlighted the “great work” being done by DWP staff in response to the record levels of unemployment announced on Tuesday.
The minister pointed out that staff are on top of targets and were delivering 45,000 interviews and 60,000 phone calls every working day.
Fine words butter no parsnips
PCS believes that the minister should ensure that staff are properly rewarded and should agree that all efficiency savings made over the past year should be directed into basic pay. The scandal of low pay in DWP should also urgently be addressed.
PCS believes that the minister should ensure that staff are properly rewarded and should agree that all efficiency savings made over the past year should be directed into basic pay. The scandal of low pay in DWP should also urgently be addressed.
This years review and the long-awaited, new treasury guidance provide an opportunity to address these real concerns.
DWP management to reconsider offer
PCS negotiators met with management this week to discuss an expected offer on improving employee relations, managing attendance, PDS, family friendly policies and job security.
On many issues it was clear that an acceptable offer was achievable. However the management team was unable to make an acceptable offer in all of these areas and after a prolonged meeting they have agreed to reconsider the offer and the possibility of improvments.
Whilst PCS are bitterly disappointed by this further delay it was agreed that a further meeting would be arranged in the next 2 weeks to consider a better offer.
The group executive committee will meet as soon as a revised offer is received and consider what action is appropriate.
