27.2.14
Temporary Duties Addition
The following details have been supplied by the PCS DWP Group:
The following is an extract from a letter to the employer dated 8th August 2013 regarding practises of not paying Temporary Duties Addition for people who are TDA’d for less than 4 days:
“Operations Trade Union Side has been contacted by reps regarding Temporary Duties Allowances being amended in Operations , particularly Pensions and CCS. We are told that the Addition will not be paid for periods of less than four days. This is contrary to DWP Policy which clearly states at paragraph 1 of the TDA policy:
‘You are eligible for TDA if you are required to work temporarily at a higher Band/Grade for half a day or more’.
We have checked with Departmental Trade Union Side for correspondence and have found nothing.
We are very disappointed that PCS appear to have not only not been consulted, but not even informed of this change.
Could you please investigate and let us know the origins and coverage of the decision, that will potentially compromise customer services and efficiency, in what we believed to be “One DWP”.
The response from the employer dated 6th September 2013 was as follows:
“I refer to your communications regarding the application of TDA in DWP Operations.
I have investigated with the businesses concerned and can confirm that the approaches being developed do not contravene DWP policy. Staff remain eligible for TDA if they are required to work temporarily at a higher Band/Grade.
What business units are attempting to do, however, is reduce the number occasions when they are required to work temporarily at a higher Band/Grade.
I have reminded Senior HRBPs within Operations of the need to engage TUS in developing their approach.”
You remain therefore eligible for TDA if you are required to work temporarily at a higher Band/Grade for half a day or more.
The following is an extract from a letter to the employer dated 8th August 2013 regarding practises of not paying Temporary Duties Addition for people who are TDA’d for less than 4 days:
“Operations Trade Union Side has been contacted by reps regarding Temporary Duties Allowances being amended in Operations , particularly Pensions and CCS. We are told that the Addition will not be paid for periods of less than four days. This is contrary to DWP Policy which clearly states at paragraph 1 of the TDA policy:
‘You are eligible for TDA if you are required to work temporarily at a higher Band/Grade for half a day or more’.
We have checked with Departmental Trade Union Side for correspondence and have found nothing.
We are very disappointed that PCS appear to have not only not been consulted, but not even informed of this change.
Could you please investigate and let us know the origins and coverage of the decision, that will potentially compromise customer services and efficiency, in what we believed to be “One DWP”.
The response from the employer dated 6th September 2013 was as follows:
“I refer to your communications regarding the application of TDA in DWP Operations.
I have investigated with the businesses concerned and can confirm that the approaches being developed do not contravene DWP policy. Staff remain eligible for TDA if they are required to work temporarily at a higher Band/Grade.
What business units are attempting to do, however, is reduce the number occasions when they are required to work temporarily at a higher Band/Grade.
I have reminded Senior HRBPs within Operations of the need to engage TUS in developing their approach.”
You remain therefore eligible for TDA if you are required to work temporarily at a higher Band/Grade for half a day or more.
PCS calls for end to ‘demeaning work tests’
The following details have been supplied by the TUC:
The government’s ‘demeaning’ fitness for worker tests should be scrapped and Atos, the private contractor conducting them, should be sacked, Jobcentre union PCS has said.
Commenting ahead of a 19 February national day of action against Atos called by disability groups, PCS said support to help sick and disabled people find work if they can should be brought back in-house. It said the tests “carried out by Atos on behalf of the government are designed solely to cut entitlements and have no place in our social security system.”
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: “It is a scandal that the likes of Atos are profiting from this government's cold and calculating assault on sick and disabled people. The demeaning tests should be scrapped and the work to provide the kind of professional and caring support that disabled people need and deserve should be brought back in-house.”
The protests are also being backed by the union Unite. Unite assistant general secretary Steve Turner said: “The government’s own figures last year showed that 10,600 people died within six weeks of being declared ‘fit for work’ by Atos. This alone should have set alarm bells ringing that the assessments were not fit for purpose. We are calling on the government to stop this degrading policy and introduce a fairer transparent system that restores dignity to the sick and disabled.” The day of action was organised by disability campaign groups Disabled People Against the Cuts and Black Triangle.
The government’s ‘demeaning’ fitness for worker tests should be scrapped and Atos, the private contractor conducting them, should be sacked, Jobcentre union PCS has said.
Commenting ahead of a 19 February national day of action against Atos called by disability groups, PCS said support to help sick and disabled people find work if they can should be brought back in-house. It said the tests “carried out by Atos on behalf of the government are designed solely to cut entitlements and have no place in our social security system.”
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: “It is a scandal that the likes of Atos are profiting from this government's cold and calculating assault on sick and disabled people. The demeaning tests should be scrapped and the work to provide the kind of professional and caring support that disabled people need and deserve should be brought back in-house.”
The protests are also being backed by the union Unite. Unite assistant general secretary Steve Turner said: “The government’s own figures last year showed that 10,600 people died within six weeks of being declared ‘fit for work’ by Atos. This alone should have set alarm bells ringing that the assessments were not fit for purpose. We are calling on the government to stop this degrading policy and introduce a fairer transparent system that restores dignity to the sick and disabled.” The day of action was organised by disability campaign groups Disabled People Against the Cuts and Black Triangle.
PCS defends statutory rights
Legal action enforces the right to be accompanied by a member’s chosen PCS Rep.
Statutory rights at work
There is case law, and given guidance, on the statutory right to be accompanied, at a grievance or disciplinary meeting. One of the key issues is whether or not an employer can veto the member’s chosen PCS Representative?
Can a manager veto a Trade Union Official?
No. Under section10 (2a) of the Employment Relations Act 1999, the employer must permit the worker to be accompanied by “a trade union official” chosen by the worker.
If the chosen PCS Representative is not available at the time fixed for the hearing, then the worker has the right to postpone the hearing, under section 10 (4) of the Act, to another time which is reasonable and within five working days of the first working day after the date proposed by the employer.
The statutory right to be accompanied is a right that exists for all workers, no matter how many employees there are or whether or not there is trade union recognition by the employer.
Employment Tribunal Claim
A member may complain to an Employment Tribunal (ET) should DWP fail to comply with their statutory right to be accompanied by their chosen PCS Representative.
PCS wins settlement
PCS has supported conciliation action with ACAS to resolve a recent ET claim where DWP vetoed the sacked PCS Representative, Lee Rock, who had been chosen by the member. The agreed settlement in this case included:
Statutory rights at work
There is case law, and given guidance, on the statutory right to be accompanied, at a grievance or disciplinary meeting. One of the key issues is whether or not an employer can veto the member’s chosen PCS Representative?
Can a manager veto a Trade Union Official?
No. Under section10 (2a) of the Employment Relations Act 1999, the employer must permit the worker to be accompanied by “a trade union official” chosen by the worker.
If the chosen PCS Representative is not available at the time fixed for the hearing, then the worker has the right to postpone the hearing, under section 10 (4) of the Act, to another time which is reasonable and within five working days of the first working day after the date proposed by the employer.
The statutory right to be accompanied is a right that exists for all workers, no matter how many employees there are or whether or not there is trade union recognition by the employer.
Employment Tribunal Claim
A member may complain to an Employment Tribunal (ET) should DWP fail to comply with their statutory right to be accompanied by their chosen PCS Representative.
PCS wins settlement
PCS has supported conciliation action with ACAS to resolve a recent ET claim where DWP vetoed the sacked PCS Representative, Lee Rock, who had been chosen by the member. The agreed settlement in this case included:
- Compensation in the sum of £505.86
- Reimbursement of ET Fees in the sum of £1,200
- Legal costs incurred by the claimant in the sum of £132.00
- DWP agrees to overturn a disputed Final Written Warning, issued under the Attendance Management Procedure, and replace it with a First Written Warning effective from the same date.
The Robin Hood tax
The following details have been supplied by the PCS DWP Group:
PCS have been working with the Robin Hood tax campaign over the last few years to push for an international financial transaction tax (FTT) as part of our ongoing Tax Justice work.
February 20th was the big day when the new Robin Hood Tax film (starring Andrew Lincoln and Bill Nighy) went live and PCS want to support pushing it out throughout the rest of the week - we hope members can help! Please do not watch the film at work.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ghKdH1iJBc&feature=youtu.be
Promotion of the film and petition: From 20th Feb you will be able to watch the film and get more information on the Million Strong campaign (www.robinhoodtax.org.uk/millionstrong/assets) including embedding the video on to your site, example Tweets/Facebook/G+ statuses, template blogs with fast facts and context, Template mailings, 3 sharegraphics, Film poster, Memes.
PCS have been working with the Robin Hood tax campaign over the last few years to push for an international financial transaction tax (FTT) as part of our ongoing Tax Justice work.
February 20th was the big day when the new Robin Hood Tax film (starring Andrew Lincoln and Bill Nighy) went live and PCS want to support pushing it out throughout the rest of the week - we hope members can help! Please do not watch the film at work.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ghKdH1iJBc&feature=youtu.be
Promotion of the film and petition: From 20th Feb you will be able to watch the film and get more information on the Million Strong campaign (www.robinhoodtax.org.uk/millionstrong/assets) including embedding the video on to your site, example Tweets/Facebook/G+ statuses, template blogs with fast facts and context, Template mailings, 3 sharegraphics, Film poster, Memes.
Save our right to pay our way - Email Nick Clegg today
The following details have been supplied by the PCS DWP Group:
Over 3000 members have sent an email to Nick Clegg (www.pcs.org.uk/savecheckoff) urging him to stop the Government's attack on our ability to represent members by plotting to end the practice of collecting monthly union subs directly from salaries.
This long-established system for payment, known as 'check-off', was introduced as a helpful and inexpensive way for the employer, trade union members and trade unions to work together effectively.
The Cabinet Office has written to each Government Department, stating that 'check-off' is "not desirable" and asking each department to review it, even though it has no right to instruct in this matter.
We believe this interference is a politically-motivated attack on our union that could jeopardise our membership and ability to represent members' interests.
This latest attack follows the government's cuts to facility time - the time reps can spend representing members, aimed at undermining our ability to function.
Take action now
Please take two minutes now to email Nick Clegg today (www.pcs.org.uk/savecheckoff) and protect your right to pay your subs your way.
#mysubsmyway
Over 3000 members have sent an email to Nick Clegg (www.pcs.org.uk/savecheckoff) urging him to stop the Government's attack on our ability to represent members by plotting to end the practice of collecting monthly union subs directly from salaries.
This long-established system for payment, known as 'check-off', was introduced as a helpful and inexpensive way for the employer, trade union members and trade unions to work together effectively.
The Cabinet Office has written to each Government Department, stating that 'check-off' is "not desirable" and asking each department to review it, even though it has no right to instruct in this matter.
We believe this interference is a politically-motivated attack on our union that could jeopardise our membership and ability to represent members' interests.
This latest attack follows the government's cuts to facility time - the time reps can spend representing members, aimed at undermining our ability to function.
Take action now
Please take two minutes now to email Nick Clegg today (www.pcs.org.uk/savecheckoff) and protect your right to pay your subs your way.
#mysubsmyway
24.2.14
DWP criticised in the news – PCS members not to blame
The following details have been provided by the PCS DWP Group:
Members will have seen that there has been considerable media coverage of the work of DWP in recent weeks. Much of this has been castigating the performance of DWP, accusing it of contributing to increased levels of poverty and leading to the greatly increased prevalence of food banks.
Sadly this level of criticism of DWP is to be expected given the unprecedented cuts in social security benefits that are being imposed on the poorest people in society by the current government. The situation is not helped by the false portrayal of claimants as scroungers and shirkers and the drive from senior managers to force our members into sanctioning more and more claimants for even the most minor transgressions.
This criticism has not just come from welfare campaign groups and opponents of the Government but also from senior church leaders, academics and others with no political axe to grind.
Most of this criticism has been aimed either at specific Government policies such as the Work Capability Assessment or has focused on institutional administrative problems that lead to delays in benefit payments, etc. However it is disturbing that some of this criticism has moved from attacking the policy and the system to attacking our members working for DWP, accusing them of showing an increased antipathy towards claimants.
PCS rejects this view. We value the work that our members do. We know that our members are working under great pressure, with ever-shrinking resources and a management target culture that always expects staff to ‘do more with less’. PCS believes our members do the best job they can in very difficult circumstances. Rather than face criticism, this work should be recognised and valued by management and they should start by ensuring a proper pay increase for DWP staff in 2014.
PCS would have hoped that senior officials and Ministers would have spoken out to defend their staff but they have remained silent. Or, when they do speak out in public, it is to deny that there is any problem at all, which only serves to inflame the situation.
PCS will continue to stand up for our members performing exceptionally challenging work in extremely difficult circumstances.
Members will have seen that there has been considerable media coverage of the work of DWP in recent weeks. Much of this has been castigating the performance of DWP, accusing it of contributing to increased levels of poverty and leading to the greatly increased prevalence of food banks.
Sadly this level of criticism of DWP is to be expected given the unprecedented cuts in social security benefits that are being imposed on the poorest people in society by the current government. The situation is not helped by the false portrayal of claimants as scroungers and shirkers and the drive from senior managers to force our members into sanctioning more and more claimants for even the most minor transgressions.
This criticism has not just come from welfare campaign groups and opponents of the Government but also from senior church leaders, academics and others with no political axe to grind.
Most of this criticism has been aimed either at specific Government policies such as the Work Capability Assessment or has focused on institutional administrative problems that lead to delays in benefit payments, etc. However it is disturbing that some of this criticism has moved from attacking the policy and the system to attacking our members working for DWP, accusing them of showing an increased antipathy towards claimants.
PCS rejects this view. We value the work that our members do. We know that our members are working under great pressure, with ever-shrinking resources and a management target culture that always expects staff to ‘do more with less’. PCS believes our members do the best job they can in very difficult circumstances. Rather than face criticism, this work should be recognised and valued by management and they should start by ensuring a proper pay increase for DWP staff in 2014.
PCS would have hoped that senior officials and Ministers would have spoken out to defend their staff but they have remained silent. Or, when they do speak out in public, it is to deny that there is any problem at all, which only serves to inflame the situation.
PCS will continue to stand up for our members performing exceptionally challenging work in extremely difficult circumstances.
Unite Rally - 15th March
Unite Union are holding a rally in Liverpool against the cuts to public services. Full details can be found on the flyer here.
19.2.14
Government cuts have hobbled the flood response
The following details have been supplied by the TUC:
Communities secretary Eric Pickles has found himself at the centre of a storm entirely of his own making after attempting to blame the Environmental Agency’s (EA) chronically over-stretched, exhausted and rapidly dwindling number of staff for some of the country’s flooding woes. Pickles, whose “grandstanding” is said to have infuriated environment secretary Owen Paterson, accused the agency of giving ministers bad advice. EA chair Lord (Chris) Smith responded by saying government budget cuts and rules on spending had limited the agency’s capabilities. This was borne out by unions. “There is no additional money for flood defences, works programmes will be cut and 1,500 staff will still be made redundant by October 2014,” said Prospect deputy general secretary Leslie Manasseh. He added that “the people who are working day and night to prevent flooding – our members in the Environment Agency – will see their revenue budgets cut from £275m in 2010 to £226m in 2014/15. Who will maintain these defences if the agency's revenue budgets are cut?” UNISON national officer for the EA, Matthew Lay, said: “Environment Agency staff have been working around the clock in difficult circumstances for more than seven weeks now. Continued funding cuts will see staff levels at the Agency reduced by a quarter since the Coalition came to power in 2010. This sort of reduction compromises the ability of the Environment Agency to respond to emergencies as there is simply not enough staff on the ground to manage a prolonged incident. What we need is long-term investment in the Environment Agency.” Justin Bowden, GMB national officer for EA, said: “Chris Smith has come out fighting at last in defence of the Environment Agency and its exhausted and overstretched staff and laid the blame squarely where it belongs - at the door of central government and their the penny wise and pound foolish cuts.”
Communities secretary Eric Pickles has found himself at the centre of a storm entirely of his own making after attempting to blame the Environmental Agency’s (EA) chronically over-stretched, exhausted and rapidly dwindling number of staff for some of the country’s flooding woes. Pickles, whose “grandstanding” is said to have infuriated environment secretary Owen Paterson, accused the agency of giving ministers bad advice. EA chair Lord (Chris) Smith responded by saying government budget cuts and rules on spending had limited the agency’s capabilities. This was borne out by unions. “There is no additional money for flood defences, works programmes will be cut and 1,500 staff will still be made redundant by October 2014,” said Prospect deputy general secretary Leslie Manasseh. He added that “the people who are working day and night to prevent flooding – our members in the Environment Agency – will see their revenue budgets cut from £275m in 2010 to £226m in 2014/15. Who will maintain these defences if the agency's revenue budgets are cut?” UNISON national officer for the EA, Matthew Lay, said: “Environment Agency staff have been working around the clock in difficult circumstances for more than seven weeks now. Continued funding cuts will see staff levels at the Agency reduced by a quarter since the Coalition came to power in 2010. This sort of reduction compromises the ability of the Environment Agency to respond to emergencies as there is simply not enough staff on the ground to manage a prolonged incident. What we need is long-term investment in the Environment Agency.” Justin Bowden, GMB national officer for EA, said: “Chris Smith has come out fighting at last in defence of the Environment Agency and its exhausted and overstretched staff and laid the blame squarely where it belongs - at the door of central government and their the penny wise and pound foolish cuts.”
17.2.14
Universal Credit – Update
Under the government’s original places for Universal Credit new claims for JSA across the country should by now have become new claims for Universal Credit (UC). We should also have been expecting new claims for tax credits to become new claims to UC from April 2014. However, as we know the development of UC has been beset with serious problems that have resulted in that original timetable being ripped up.
New timetable for UC
Instead DWP have since unveiled a new timetable for UC.
- Bringing 6 additional Pathfinder offices onto UC by April 2014, to make 10 in total continuing to use the original, flawed UC IT system
- Summer 2014 start to take claims from couples in the 10 Pathfinder areas
- Autumn 2014 start to take claims from families in the 10 Pathfinder areas
- Once this has been tested in the 10 Pathfinder areas extending new claims to cover more of the North West geographical area.
- During 2016 UC to be fully available in each part of Great Britain, having closed down new claims to legacy benefits.
- The majority of the caseload of legacy benefits to be moved onto UC during 2016/2017.
Final decisions on this timetable will be informed by the development of the enhanced digital IT solution.
The enhanced digital solution
The original UC IT system is operating in the Pathfinder offices but it is accepted that this IT system is not robust enough for national rollout. This problem has been a major factor in the delay to the UC timetable and accounts for the reports that as much as £200 million may have to be written off for this failed IT system.
Management accept that the original UC IT system will never become the secure online digital system that Ministers want, one that would enable claimants to process their UC claims and changes of circumstances online. Instead, during the second half of 2013, DWP has been testing an enhanced digital IT solution designed to deliver this kind of online service for UC.
Original estimates were that this new system may be ready for late 2014. However DWP has had to concede that this new digital online IT system cannot be delivered until the end of 2015. But, given the history of big IT projects in DWP going wrong, many members will be sceptical that this one will be any different.
Faced with a situation where the bulk of UC implementation has had to be deferred for two years, a decision has been taken to continue to very slowly increase the size and scope of the UC Pathfinder, as per the timetable above, while the new IT system is developed. However, as this timetable makes clear, large-scale implementation of UC will not now happen before the end of 2015 at the earliest.
The enhanced digital solution is designed to automate a considerable amount of processing and telephony work. It remains to be seen how successfully this can be done, and the recent IT difficulties that UC has had do not give much cause for confidence.
Threat to Jobs?
However if DWP were to effectively introduce such a digital IT solution it is clear that there would be a dramatic impact on jobs in DWP, with many processing and telephony roles becoming automated. While it would not be possible to fully automate the process a significant impact is still likely. At this stage it is too early to judge what this new UC IT system will deliver and the GEC will closely monitor its development.
DWP is currently seeking ministerial authority to recruit external IT experts to help build the new IT system for UC following the withdrawal, earlier than expected, of the support from the Cabinet Office’s Government Digital Services team who had been supporting this work.
What happens now?
Apart from the small scale, gradual increase of UC in the Pathfinder areas, management are effectively starting again in drawing up new implementation plans for UC, based on the new assumption that large scale introduction of UC will not start before the end of 2015. This means that the bulk of legacy benefits will remain in force in the interim.
This major re-working of the implementation plans also calls into question whether the sites, in both DWP and HMRC, that were named as future UC sites in May 2012, are still destined to be UC sites now. Management say that they have not changed their working assumptions in this regard but there it is clear that these old assumptions could be changed given that new implementation plans are now being drawn up.
Pathfinders
The number of claims to UC that have been taken in the Pathfinder areas remains very low. Between April and 31 October 2013 only 2,900 new claims to UC had been received. This is a tiny amount when compared to the c.60,000 new JSA claims that DWP receives every week. Moreover claims to the Pathfinders are still restricted to single people with no dependants. These figures show how far UC has to go before it is any position to replace the existing benefits and tax credit systems.
Conclusion
It is clear that it will be some considerable time before we will be in a position to map out clearly what UC will mean for members in both DWP and HMRC. The GEC will continue to engage with UC management to ensure members are kept as up to date as possible.
DWP considers privatisation of the delivery of the state pension
The following details have been supplied by the PCS DWP Group:
Members will have seen widespread reports in the media this week that DWP is giving serious consideration to privatising the delivery of the state pension and the Tell us Once bereavement service. These reports appear to have come from an internal DWP policy paper that had been sent to the media.
Members working in the Pensions Directorate will be extremely concerned at this apparent attack on their jobs by departmental management. Our members work hard to ensure the state pension is paid to millions of pensioners every year and it is deeply insulting for the department to suggest that this essential work could somehow be done better or more efficiently by the private sector.
Private Sector failure
The private sector has shown itself recently to be incapable of delivering public services. There are many examples of major privatised contracts going awry. For example there is Atos failing to manage the Work Capability Assessments, G4S’ shambles over security for the Olympics and Serco being banned from applying for contracts for allegedly overcharging on electronic monitoring contracts. Given this record of private sector failure it is incredible that DWP could seriously consider privatising the state pension.
The current pensions delivery model works well and 93% of pensioners are satisfied or very satisfied with the current arrangements. It therefore makes no sense for DWP to seek to destroy a delivery model that works well for pensioners and our members alike.
PCS’ Response
PCS is completely opposed to any suggestions that the state pension should be privatised. In the light of these press reports PCS immediately wrote to DWP demanding urgent explanation and clarification of their intentions. We have received a one sentence response for the Employee Relations manager that reads:
“I am able to advise DTUS that DWP has no plans to outsource the Pensions Service.”
This brief response is unlikely to provide members with much reassurance as the press reports clearly show that there are official proposals being considered that do suggest DWP should outsource the Pensions Service.
As soon as there is further information to report we will keep branches and members informed.
Members will have seen widespread reports in the media this week that DWP is giving serious consideration to privatising the delivery of the state pension and the Tell us Once bereavement service. These reports appear to have come from an internal DWP policy paper that had been sent to the media.
Members working in the Pensions Directorate will be extremely concerned at this apparent attack on their jobs by departmental management. Our members work hard to ensure the state pension is paid to millions of pensioners every year and it is deeply insulting for the department to suggest that this essential work could somehow be done better or more efficiently by the private sector.
Private Sector failure
The private sector has shown itself recently to be incapable of delivering public services. There are many examples of major privatised contracts going awry. For example there is Atos failing to manage the Work Capability Assessments, G4S’ shambles over security for the Olympics and Serco being banned from applying for contracts for allegedly overcharging on electronic monitoring contracts. Given this record of private sector failure it is incredible that DWP could seriously consider privatising the state pension.
The current pensions delivery model works well and 93% of pensioners are satisfied or very satisfied with the current arrangements. It therefore makes no sense for DWP to seek to destroy a delivery model that works well for pensioners and our members alike.
PCS’ Response
PCS is completely opposed to any suggestions that the state pension should be privatised. In the light of these press reports PCS immediately wrote to DWP demanding urgent explanation and clarification of their intentions. We have received a one sentence response for the Employee Relations manager that reads:
“I am able to advise DTUS that DWP has no plans to outsource the Pensions Service.”
This brief response is unlikely to provide members with much reassurance as the press reports clearly show that there are official proposals being considered that do suggest DWP should outsource the Pensions Service.
As soon as there is further information to report we will keep branches and members informed.
Meeting of the PCS NW Regional Black Members Network
Please find below details of the next NW Black Members Network.
Meeting Details
3.00pm - Tuesday 25 February 2014
Church St, Preston PR1 3BY
Agenda Item and Attendance Deadline
Wednesday 19 February 2014
We will assess the viability of this meeting on Thursday 20 February 2014. If the meeting is cancelled we will notify you by email, therefore if you do not hear from us the meeting will go ahead as scheduled
PCS Union is committed to making the workplace a better and fairer place for members. In order to do this, we have to ensure that we are representative of all our members and to ensure different equality and diversity needs are continually highlighted and changes in practices are made to address such needs. PCS has National Forums and Committees that regularly meet to discuss and plan for specific equality needs.
You will need to request time off to attend this meeting from your manager/employer. Important note: if you are going to attend this meeting please inform your local PCS representative as they may have some issues/information that should be highlighted.
Expenses for attending this meeting will be paid in accordance with PCS expense rules (see attached). Forms will be available at the meeting for attendees to complete.
Along with personal experiences would attendees please bring with them ideas and/or a statement of their expectations of the network. This will help to inform and/or enhance members experience at these meetings.
It is important that you complete the pro-forma here as this will assist us to make arrangements for any specific requirements you may have. Please return to the office by date specified above.
Members of the network and branches are reminded that these meetings form an important part of both our national and regional equalities agenda. Members get an opportunity to voice their experiences and share best practice. Please do everything you can to ensure that members participate in this network. Network members should consider bring a PCS colleague with them to the next meeting.
Please note that due to rising postage costs future notices of network meetings will not be physically posted out to members. We will, as always advertise these meetings to branches in the normal way (via email) knowing that notifications are placed on notice boards around workplaces, details will also be available on the PCS website under NW events.
We look forward to meeting you either for the first time, or once again.
Yours sincerely
Paula Wood - Regional Organiser (0151 298 3900)
Mohammed Shafiq - NWBMN Convenor
Zulf Aziz - NWBMN Convenor
12.2.14
Another deadly BP cost cutter gets a top government post
The following details have been supplied by the TUC:
A former oil executive criticised for his role in a deadly BP refinery explosion, and whose last company was fined over 50 health and safety violations connected with fracking, has been appointed to lead the government's Major Projects Authority (MPA).
John Manzoni will be responsible for overseeing big-budget projects including the HS2 high-speed rail line and the new nuclear programme. His new role will come under the remit of the Cabinet Office, where his ex-boss Lord Browne, a former chief executive of BP, is the lead non-executive director. While at BP, an internal company report published in 2007 found Manzoni should be held accountable for the Texas City refinery blast that killed 15 people and injured 170 . He resigned from the company shortly after publication of the report, taking up a role as chief executive at Talisman Energy, a company heavily engaged in fracking in the US.
In July 2012 Talisman agreed penalties of more than $60,000 for alleged violations in reporting hazardous chemicals at 52 sites in Pennsylvania. Manzoni left his Talisman post shortly after.
Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude said Manzoni’s “experience will be invaluable to the civil service and to taxpayers. I'm delighted he is joining the Cabinet Office, and this is a great example of how we can bring talented men and women with private sector experience into Whitehall.”
Danny Alexander, chief secretary to the Treasury, said: “John’s experience speaks for itself, and his leadership will ensure we continue to spend money wisely and eliminate the waste of the past.” Manzoni becomes the third BP old boy to be recruited by the current government to top posts. His former boss Lord Browne is the top non-executive director in the Cabinet Office, which oversees MPA. They were together implicated in the cost cutting project that led to the Texas City explosion. And in May 2013 John Morgan, who led BP Alaska when dangerous chemical practices led to a record fine and the firm being put on five years’ probation, was appointed by David Cameron to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) board.
A former oil executive criticised for his role in a deadly BP refinery explosion, and whose last company was fined over 50 health and safety violations connected with fracking, has been appointed to lead the government's Major Projects Authority (MPA).
John Manzoni will be responsible for overseeing big-budget projects including the HS2 high-speed rail line and the new nuclear programme. His new role will come under the remit of the Cabinet Office, where his ex-boss Lord Browne, a former chief executive of BP, is the lead non-executive director. While at BP, an internal company report published in 2007 found Manzoni should be held accountable for the Texas City refinery blast that killed 15 people and injured 170 . He resigned from the company shortly after publication of the report, taking up a role as chief executive at Talisman Energy, a company heavily engaged in fracking in the US.
In July 2012 Talisman agreed penalties of more than $60,000 for alleged violations in reporting hazardous chemicals at 52 sites in Pennsylvania. Manzoni left his Talisman post shortly after.
Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude said Manzoni’s “experience will be invaluable to the civil service and to taxpayers. I'm delighted he is joining the Cabinet Office, and this is a great example of how we can bring talented men and women with private sector experience into Whitehall.”
Danny Alexander, chief secretary to the Treasury, said: “John’s experience speaks for itself, and his leadership will ensure we continue to spend money wisely and eliminate the waste of the past.” Manzoni becomes the third BP old boy to be recruited by the current government to top posts. His former boss Lord Browne is the top non-executive director in the Cabinet Office, which oversees MPA. They were together implicated in the cost cutting project that led to the Texas City explosion. And in May 2013 John Morgan, who led BP Alaska when dangerous chemical practices led to a record fine and the firm being put on five years’ probation, was appointed by David Cameron to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) board.
Treatment of Jobcentre staff and claimants is ‘intolerable’
The following details have been supplied by the TUC:
Jobcentre workers are facing “intolerable” political pressure including the prospect of disciplinary action if they don’t reduce the number of benefit claimants, their union PCS has said.
The union was speaking out after the House of Commons work and pensions select committee urged the government to provide incentives for Jobcentre Plus (JCP) to get people into work, not just off benefits.
Launching its 28 January report, committee chair Dame Anne Begg said the system did not determine whether claimants “are leaving benefit to start a job or for less positive reasons, including being sanctioned or simply transferring to another benefit. We believe this risks JCP hitting its targets but missing the point. JCP must be very clearly incentivised to get people into work, not just off benefits.” The committee called for a review of whether the sanctions regime was encouraging claimants to seek work. Welcoming the committee report, PCS said the government’s stricter rules have led to target-like objectives being set for staff to sanction a certain number of claimants, regardless of their behaviour. Staff not meeting targets faced the threat of disciplinary action, the union said, a process it believes is unfair on both Jobcentre workers and the people entitled to benefits who they are there to help.
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: “No one joined the employment service to be in conflict with the people they are there to help, but this government is seeking to punish the unemployed, sick and disabled. This political pressure is making life intolerable for claimants and staff alike and we fully support the MPs’ call for a much wider review of the effect that sanctions are having.”
Jobcentre workers are facing “intolerable” political pressure including the prospect of disciplinary action if they don’t reduce the number of benefit claimants, their union PCS has said.
The union was speaking out after the House of Commons work and pensions select committee urged the government to provide incentives for Jobcentre Plus (JCP) to get people into work, not just off benefits.
Launching its 28 January report, committee chair Dame Anne Begg said the system did not determine whether claimants “are leaving benefit to start a job or for less positive reasons, including being sanctioned or simply transferring to another benefit. We believe this risks JCP hitting its targets but missing the point. JCP must be very clearly incentivised to get people into work, not just off benefits.” The committee called for a review of whether the sanctions regime was encouraging claimants to seek work. Welcoming the committee report, PCS said the government’s stricter rules have led to target-like objectives being set for staff to sanction a certain number of claimants, regardless of their behaviour. Staff not meeting targets faced the threat of disciplinary action, the union said, a process it believes is unfair on both Jobcentre workers and the people entitled to benefits who they are there to help.
PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: “No one joined the employment service to be in conflict with the people they are there to help, but this government is seeking to punish the unemployed, sick and disabled. This political pressure is making life intolerable for claimants and staff alike and we fully support the MPs’ call for a much wider review of the effect that sanctions are having.”
4.2.14
Make today DD-day
So we need you to do something very simple but very important – switch payment of your subs to direct debit using the editable .pdf form here or printing it off and using it. It can be returned by post, or you can phone or even email and request a call back. More details here.
Switching is easy and it will mean that if your employer imposes any changes to how your subs are collected, you will remain protected by your union membership.
We won’t process your direct debit form unless your employer stops deducting your union subscriptions, so there’s no danger of you paying twice.
Not content with cutting jobs, pay and pensions, Tory ministers are now trying to undermine us. There’s never been a more important time to have the support of a union behind you.
Location Location
Important communications and transferring members into the correct Branch/ Site
We are also currently urging all members to ensure their details are up to date and request that they visit the PCS site to confirm / update the information held. This is because there are key communications that are being sent from PCS HQ and it is important that the correct details are held by PCS HQ.
Please remember that the Fylde Central Benefits and Services Branch Code is 047139
We would like to ask that you help in this exercise by going through the following details:
The link below is for the i-membership section on the PCS website. If you follow the link it has sections for members on what information is held and how you can update your own records.
http://www.pcs.org.uk/en/resources/imembership/index.cfm
Unfortunately you cannot correct your Branch Code on line so you will need to contact me (ext 61186).
Alternatively you may wish to contact Membership records directly on 0207 801 2601 (select option 1)
The Fylde Central Benefits and Services Branch recommends that you use your home address for balloting purposes but you may use any address you wish.
Please ensure you are in the correct Branch (see code above). This is important in terms of ensuring that the Branch can identify who are members of the Branch for balloting purposes and representation. This will be particularly important in the forthcoming period with the review of the job cuts in the DWP and the fact that many members may want representation in one to ones or in other meetings.
Many thanks for your co-operation and please remember to notify this office of any changes in your personal details.
Regards
Mick Daniels
Organiser
We are also currently urging all members to ensure their details are up to date and request that they visit the PCS site to confirm / update the information held. This is because there are key communications that are being sent from PCS HQ and it is important that the correct details are held by PCS HQ.
Please remember that the Fylde Central Benefits and Services Branch Code is 047139
We would like to ask that you help in this exercise by going through the following details:
The link below is for the i-membership section on the PCS website. If you follow the link it has sections for members on what information is held and how you can update your own records.
http://www.pcs.org.uk/en/resources/imembership/index.cfm
Unfortunately you cannot correct your Branch Code on line so you will need to contact me (ext 61186).
Alternatively you may wish to contact Membership records directly on 0207 801 2601 (select option 1)
The Fylde Central Benefits and Services Branch recommends that you use your home address for balloting purposes but you may use any address you wish.
Please ensure you are in the correct Branch (see code above). This is important in terms of ensuring that the Branch can identify who are members of the Branch for balloting purposes and representation. This will be particularly important in the forthcoming period with the review of the job cuts in the DWP and the fact that many members may want representation in one to ones or in other meetings.
Many thanks for your co-operation and please remember to notify this office of any changes in your personal details.
Regards
Mick Daniels
Organiser
LGBT History Month
History Month Newsletter
http://www.lgbthistorymonth.org.uk
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