People Performance: End of Year Markings

The DWP insists that there is no 10% quota for a Must Improve end of year marking.  We have heard different.  Some team leaders have told staff that one member of each team must be given the Must Improve marking to ‘meet the quota’.  This is unacceptable.  Some line managers are being told that they will be given a Must Improve marking if they fail to meet the 10% quota for their team.  In order to do so, they are inventing some of the most bizarre reasons, usually under behaviours, to justify Must Improve.

The table below provides a summary of some of the Must Improve cases that we have dealt with by PCS in the last 12 months.  Must Improve ratings mean no pay increase and more chance of being dismissed.  Members should note that we win most appeals.  We are therefore advising all members to appeal all Must Improve.  If you are given a Must Improve, contact your local rep immediately.