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.
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.
- 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.
