Formal backing for 250,000 civil servants to join 30 November strike

Formal backing for more than a quarter of a million civil and public servants to join a public sector-wide strike on 30 November puts PCS on a "war footing".

Meeting yesterday the union's national executive committee endorsed the date as the next national strike following the successful action PCS took on 30 June alongside teachers and lecturers. It will be followed by a one-month overtime ban. At a previous meeting ahead of the TUC annual congress, PCS's NEC had agreed to co-ordinate strike action with other unions and said it was looking at dates in November.

The union is also considering the potential for taking more targeted and selective industrial action alongside any taken nationally, and each employer area of the union is drawing up campaign plans focusing on their specific issues. Following announcements at TUC congress earlier this month, the government now faces the prospect of a strike by up to three million public sector workers - the largest in UK history.

As well as having their pay frozen with inflation above 5%, public sector workers face their pensions being raided to help pay off the budget deficit caused by the recession and the bank bail-out.

The government continues to refuse to negotiate on its plans to force public servants to work longer and pay more for less in retirement.

Because of media scrutiny around the 30 June strike, ministers have had to ditch their misleading claims that public sector pensions are unaffordable, and they now cite the 'unfairness' of the divide between public and private sector pensions. Unions say this is a false distinction and are calling for 'fair pensions for all'. PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: "Our union and others across the public sector are now on a war footing to prepare for what would be the biggest strike in UK history. "If ministers continue to dig their heels in they will face industrial action by three million civil servants, health workers, teachers and other public servants that will not just last one day, but will be sustained for weeks and months. "We believe we will continue to enjoy public support because we are not only fighting for the public sector, we are campaigning for fair pensions for all."

Unions will fight safety cuts

Unions have reaffirmed their commitment to fight cuts in the Health and Safety Executive and attacks on safety laws. Delegates to TUC's Congress last week supported unanimously a motion moved by construction union UCATT critical of the government's decision to lop 35 per cent off HSE's budget by 2015. The annual TUC conference was told longstanding financial pressures mean HSE's enforcement activities have already fallen to an all-time low. The unions are also concerned that dramatic cuts in inspections, which will see many sectors including the notoriously hazardous agriculture and quarrying industries, no longer receiving any unannounced inspections. The decision to axe HSE's telephone Infoline also concerned unions. The TUC's official policy making conference agreed to oppose any 'watering-down of health and safety.' Dennis Doody, a member of UCATT's executive council, told delegates: 'It is a fundamental right to be safe at work. This government is destroying that right. The vast majority of workplace accidents are easily preventable. Government policies will increase accidents.' Doody added: 'Now more than ever the trade union movement needs to defeat these policies. And show how this Tory-led government has blood on its hands. If we don't take action, more and more workers will be killed and maimed at work.' The motion says the TUC must 'continue to be actively involved in campaigning with all affiliates affected by any watering down of health and safety imposed through the government's health and safety reform.' It also calls for the legal groundwork to be done on a legal challenge to 'prevent harm' prior to any damaging policies being implemented.

Older Persons Day

Fylde and Central Benefits and Services Branch supports Older Persons Day. Older Persons Day is celebrated internationally on October the 1st.

This year, on Friday 30th September 2011, the Branch will be holding a PCS Information Stand at the Warbreck House Restaurant and also at the Peel Park Coffee Lounge from 11.45am to 1.30pm.

For further details please contact x67714

FAO Members in the Corporate Review

The unsustainable cuts in the Corporate Centre and the botched selection exercises are symptomatic of the real damage being done by the Tory led coalition spending cuts. As the promised economic recovery falters and global recession looms there is a growing realisation that far from offering protection against disaster the government’s policy is deepening and quickening the threat.

This is why PCS has led the way in opposing the cuts and co-ordinating campaigning activity through the TUC. Work to build alliances with other unions culminated at the TUC with the announcement of a public service strike on 30th November. Public opinion is also shifting. All along the government has struggled to claim a mandate for its reckless economic policy and the level of public opposition is now much clearer.

From just about any perspective cuts which undermine the capability of the Department for Work and Pensions at a time when mass unemployment is making a comeback is short sighted to the point of stupidity. The Department needs the people whose jobs are now on the line. It needs their knowledge and skills to develop and evaluate policy and to deliver vital services.

When Robert Devereux appeared before the Public Accounts Committee earlier in the year disbelief was expressed at the lack of a clear plan to deliver both savings and services. Its recent report was highly critical. We know why. The move to new structures is not driven by what is needed to improve or even find the “best fit”. It is purely driven by cuts. The reduction of staff in the DWP Corporate Centre from 11,800 to 8,400 in a single year is already a living nightmare. It means:

• Neglecting key policy areas
• Massively overloading posts
• Posting staff by compulsion
• Making compulsory redundancies.

Plenty of work to do
We need to be absolutely clear about the absurd arguments used in the Tory press in their rabid campaign in favour of making our members redundant. There are no “non-jobs”. There is plenty of work to be done which is why there is never any answer to the question the union raises with Ministers in relation to cuts – please tell us which functions will no longer be carried out.

There is an obligation on the employer which is more important, not less, when events are politically driven. PCS will spell this out. Far from being privileged or feather bedded the reality of life in the civil service is comparatively low pay and an unrelenting long hours culture with the continual pressure of political deadlines. There has also been reliance on a culture of duty and loyalty on which the current Ministers do not stint to call. In return it has always been claimed that staff could rely on job security and security in retirement. PCS is sending a clear message to the Permanent Secretary and Executive Team that they cannot expect business as usual if the terms around which important life choices are simply ripped up and thrown in people’s faces.

Prevention of compulsory redundancy
Recently the Department entered the Meaningful Consultation process over the first redundancy risk arising from the Corporate Transformation. When this happened four years ago PCS was successful in preventing job cuts leading to compulsory redundancy.

The threat of industrial action and detailed examination of the options available to all staff made surplus using the processes agreed under the Cabinet Office Protocols persuaded government and the employer to back off. The large number of applications for VES indicates that it is possible for DWP to discharge its obligation to the workforce and retain this approach. To ensure that the employer does this PCS will now:

• monitor closely the issue of non-release of VES applicants which will be key this time in avoiding compulsory redundancy
• challenge attempts to conceal compulsory redundancy using the threat of withdrawing the offer of better terms under VR
• Scrutinise proposals to offer transitional posts
• ensure members genuinely have access to redeployment support
• organise campaigning activities to make clear your views on the botched Corporate Review
• prepare for an industrial response to any compulsory redundancy.

What you can do

• Support PCS campaigning activities and prepare for action on 30th November
• Talk to colleagues and encourage them to get involved too
• Write personally to your MP now referencing the Public Accounts Committee report and making clear the scale of the job loss and redundancy threat.

Reply from local MP

The Branch has received a reply from the local MP Mark Menzies on the subject of public sector pensions.

Unfortunately the scan is not very good/sharp as the Branch scanner is broken (solution being worked on), but hopefully you will be able to make out the content once it is clicked:

March and Rally - Manchester for the Alternative

Sunday 2 October 12 noon
Liverpool Road (off Deansgate)

This year the Conservative Party are having their annual Conference in Manchester and the TUC is organising a march and rally to show opposition to the Coalition Government's disastrous policies of pay freezes, cuts and attacks on public services that are producing rising unemployment, cuts in living standards and stagnation. The march will also show the support for The Alternative. We need jobs, growth and justice for a sustainable future and this event will send that message loud and clear.

We call for the maximum support and are specifically asking unions and trades councils to:

- Encourage all your members to attend, a flier is available to download.

- Let us know if you are booking transport and we can give advice on drop off, parking and collection;

- To ensure that we have an effective and safe event we need a number of stewards and all affiliates are asked to nominate a number of stewards, please e mail contact details of potential stewards to NWMarch@tuc.org.uk

- Consider making a donation to help fund the campaign.

There will be provision for marchers with disabilities, including a short route.

Stonewall at the Conferences

Stonewall will once again be attending all three major party conferences this year!We’d be delighted if you could join us at any of the events taking place in your area:

• Monday 19 September for the Liberal Democrat conference in Birmingham


• Monday 26 September for the Labour Party conference in Liverpool


• Tuesday 4 October for the Conservative Party Conference in Manchester

At all events we’ll be asking how we can ensure LGBT representation in public life.

These free events are open to all Stonewall supporters and include speakers from all the parties, as well as complimentary drinks and nibbles. They are held outside of the party conference secure zones.

For any further details please contact Richard Lane.

Disabled people to protest across the UK

The following has been supplied by the TUC:

Disabled people, their families and friends will be taking to the streets in cities across the UK protesting against Government cuts to disability benefits and services. Protests are planned in cities including Edinburgh, Cardiff, Leeds, Nottingham, Brighton, Manchester, Newcastle and Bristol with more locations expected to follow.

The Hardest Hit campaign, organised jointly by the Disability Benefits Consortium (DBC) and the UK Disabled People's Council, brings together individuals and organisations to send a clear message to the Government: stop these cuts.

Saturday 22 October 2011

2.00-3.00pm

A rally will take place in Albert Square, outside Manchester Town Hall. Speakers will include individuals affected by the proposals laid out in the Welfare Reform Bill and a petition will be presented to local elected representatives expressing opposition to the Welfare Reform Bill.

Manchester is one of many cities across the North West that have been severely affected by budget cuts. Across the region people are seeing deep cuts in services such as social care and transport, that they rely on to remain independent.

We call on the people of theNorth West to join us at this event to voice our concerns over these unfair proposals.

More details will be posted here soon.

To register your interest email: Northwest@hardesthit.org.uk

Please circulate these details as widely as possible and encourage all members to support this rally.

Abolition of DWP’s Executive Agencies

The Secretary of State on 12 September announced that Jobcentre Plus and Pension, Disability and Carers Service (PDCS) will cease to exist from 3rd October as executive agencies of DWP. From then both agencies will be brought under a single DWP Chief Operating Officer.

Part of the Cuts
This move is driven solely by the government’s cuts, and specifically the government’s insistence that DWP makes 26% savings in its running costs. Therefore for PCS this is not about the merits or otherwise of executive agencies or a strong centre. We are implacably opposed to using the end of executive agencies to introduce savage job cuts on staff, both in Jobcentre Plus and PDCS as well as within the Corporate Centre through the current Corporate Review.

The changes resulting from the move to a single Chief Operating Officer are projected to lead directly to 3,000 job cuts.

This greatly increases the risks of members facing compulsory redundancy.

The GEC is meeting next week to discuss how to ramp up the campaign to defend jobs in DWP and to oppose any use of compulsory redundancies.

Manchester for the Alternative

The TUC have organised a rally and march to demonstrate at the Tory Party Conference in Manchester.

More information can be found on the flyer here.

More information on the TUC campaign 'All Together for Public Services' can be found here.

Politicians not safety prompted the riots

The prime minister's attempt to link health and safety and human rights to the August riots have been dealt a blow - with politicians themselves put in the frame instead. Researchers at Essex University and Royal Holloway University of London found instead a major cause of the riots was the bad example set by politicians and bankers. In a 15 August speech, David Cameron twice targeted health and safety as a root cause of the riots. But the academic report, 'There will be burning and a-looting tonight,' concluded politicians are seen as 'a class apart' who abide by their own rules. The authors say political factors behind the riots could include 'middle class looting' by bankers in the financial crisis as well as the MPs' expenses scandal. They may have 'made it more acceptable for everyone else to 'take' what they wanted, when they wanted it.' The report concludes: 'People's disposition towards state institutions weigh more heavily in shaping their propensity to obey the law than their belief systems and personal values.' Sarah Birch, a reader in politics at Essex University, who carried out the research with Nicholas Allen, a senior politics lecturer at Royal Holloway University of London, said: 'Though it would be an over-simplification to say that lack of confidence in the political system caused the riots, the evidence we've examined suggests that there is something about the functioning of the political system and the behaviour of politicians that makes a significant minority of people potentially available for participation in acts of mass illegality.' Mr Cameron, who regards the riots as a symbol of Britain's 'broken society', this week began chairing a cabinet review of the government's social policies to see what changes were needed as a result of the riots. It will include state benefits, schools, parenting, family policy and will consider whether health and safety and human rights laws prevent 'common sense solution' to social problems.

Unacceptable customer behaviour

Following a long period of planning and design and several technical hitches the new Unacceptable Customer Behaviour database is finally being rolled out across DWP. PCS has been heavily involved in this process, working with DWP management to ensure that the database provides accurate and up to date information on those customers who do present a danger to our members. The database is electronic and uses an online reporting form, so the old IF1 will eventually cease to exist.

Early Problems
Despite all the hard work that went into designing the actual database it became clear from the familiarisation sessions that there were potentially significant difficulties in its practical application.

What do Members need to do?
The new approach to UCB means that claimants and customers will no longer be identified solely by a “PV” marker. Instead the database will display specific control measures that must be put in place when dealing with that claimant/customer. This makes it even more important that members are given, and take, the time to prepare for interviews/visits beforehand.

Although only a limited number of PCS reps will hold licences to access the full database, all members will be able to see the control measures applicable to individual customers.

Everyone has a vital role to play in ensuring that the database is populated and used effectively. The database will only be useful if it contains up to date, accurate information. It is absolutely critical therefore that members ensure that they report all incidents.

Sadly, we know that not all incidents in DWP are reported. This has often because members felt they were not afforded time to complete the reporting documentation; that they believe they should tolerate abusive behaviour as part of the job; that they feel it would show an inability to fulfil their job role; or simply did not think that the incident warranted reporting because the threat was to someone other than themselves or was just not serious enough to be reported. It is crucial that any incident is formally reported and DWP and JCP guidance is clear that anyone involved in an incident is given time to complete the report. The fact that you personally do not feel upset or threatened by inappropriate customer behaviour does not mean that you should not report it. The customer who shouts at you in a telephone call could potentially assault a colleague in a Jobcentre if your colleagues are not aware that the customer can react angrily.

Next Steps
The GEC will continue to work with DWP to monitor the rollout and press for improvements when we identify issues of concern.

Last chance to stop the NHS bill

The Guardian have posted a news article on the NHS bill. The full article can be found here.

Minister ignores work's 'inconvenient corpses'

An investigation by Hazards magazine has discovered the government minister responsible for workplace safety deliberately misled MPs on 'the terrible human and economic cost of health and safety failings at work'. The 'Firm Favourites' report says Chris Grayling was 'spoon-fed' a £20bn figure by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in a 'suggested reply' to a parliamentary question from Labour MP Ian Lavery. But HSE's briefing to the minister, obtained by Hazards using a freedom of information request, also advised the minister the estimate 'does not include the costs of long-latency disease,' adding: 'These costs could be considerable.' This advice, not included in HSE's model reply, was not made known to MPs. Hazards estimates the contribution from just one asbestos cancer, mesothelioma, would add at least £5 billion to the bill. The real costs figure, if mortality and morbidity from other occupational cancers, work-related heart disease and other conditions were accounted for, would be several times the total Grayling passed on to MPs. The magazine concludes: 'Grayling's creative accounting, aided by a compliant HSE and combined with an industry-blind spot on the substantial cash benefits to society of not killing or sickening workers, creates a regulation averse fiction to justify less health protection at work. It is an approach that experts are now warning can cause serious harm to real businesses and real-life workers.' The report also warns that the minister has exhibited a serious bias towards the industry lobby, while ignoring the concerns of those facing risks in the workplace. While the minister has had 'face time' with two insurance industry bodies and 10 business lobby groups in recent months, he is still refusing to meet with Families Against Corporate Killers (FACK), whose membership is composed entirely of individuals who have lost a family member in often horrific and always devastating workplace fatalities. Hazards suggests these 'inconvenient corpses' are something the deregulation focused minister would rather ignore.

Minister takes workers for a deadly ride

While safety minister Chris Grayling felt no need to comment on a sharp increase in workplace fatalities in his first year at the helm, or this month's £1 fine for criminal safety failings linked to a worker's death, or even the Health and Safety Executive's (HSE) failure to investigate 95 per cent of all reported major injuries, one thing did compel him to take up the ministerial pen. And that was the decision by holiday firm Butlins to instruct staff to stop customers crashing into each other in dodgem cars. Jeremy Pardey, Butlins resort director at Bognor Regis, said the company made the decision because there have been injuries in the past, including broken bones, due to people bumping into each other. But in his letter chastising Butlins managing director Dermot King, Grayling called on the company to 'make it clear publicly that its decision to ban bumping in dodgems has no basis in health and safety rules and that it has absolutely no obligation to take what I suspect will prove to be an extremely controversial decision.' He added: 'Given the public interest in this issue I am releasing this letter to the media.' The April 2011 letter got a second airing this week, when HSE included the dodgems story in a list of the 'Top 10 bizarre health and safety 'bans'.' HSE also broke with its usual practice, after discussions with the DWP press office, and this week posted the minister's letter to its website. In a letter to Chris Grayling, campaign group Families Against Corporate Killers (FACK) said the minister has got his priorities seriously - dangerously - out of kilter. Pointing to the failure of the minister to speak out on serious workplace safety issues, a FACK spokesperson said: 'He must stop his attacks on our legal framework, recognise the real cost of workplace health and safety failures to society and who is responsible.'

Overpayments of overtime made by RM recovery

Payroll system error
PCS has been has been informed that a fault has been identified in the RM system which has resulted in incorrect payments of overtime. This issue affects employees in both DWP and the Child Maintenance Commission (CMEC).

PCS guidance for overpayments of salary
PCS guidance on recovery of overpayments of pay is available on the PCS DWP Group Website under HR guidance.

DWP and CMEC Policy and Procedure
The DWP and CMEC guidance for recoveries from pay is published on the DWP Intranet under Pay and Reward/Salary. This includes:

• Recovery from Pay Policy


• Recoveries from Pay Procedure


• Recoveries from Pay Advice

Where an overpayment occurs in any one pay month, an automatic adjustment is made from the next month’s salary to recover the overpayment in full. (Policy paragraph 2).

If an overpayment occurs over several months or, occurs in one month but an automatic adjustment cannot be made, a letter is sent about when the overpayment will be recovered. (Policy paragraph 3)

Official error overpayments
Overpayments of salary are subject to the guidance provided by the Treasury in Government Accounting. This policy is separate from the rules governing overpayments of benefit and states that all overpayments of salary, which occur due to mistakes of fact, should be pursued. Generally, if employees have received public money to which they are not entitled, they will be asked to repay it.

Most overpayments of salary fall into the category of mistake of fact. Mistakes of fact, as stated in Government Accounting, include computer input errors. Departmental error alone is not grounds for appeal and therefore appeals received solely for this reason will not be accepted.

Hardship
Employees may claim hardship if repayment would be detrimental to either themselves or their family for financial, health or personal reasons. Hardship must not be confused with inconvenience and the test of hardship should be real. Employees may be asked to supply evidence to support their claim. If it is agreed that payment would cause the employee hardship payroll will consider the individual circumstances to agree an appropriate amount of repayment.