247 Whole Time Equivalent Job Cuts announced in PDCS at Warbreck

Dear Colleagues

Background Job Cuts Announced in PDCS on 30th March 2010
On Tuesday 30th March 2010 the employer announced that over one thousand one hundred jobs would be cut in the Pension, Disability and Carers Service between now and 31st March 2011. As PDCS is one of the largest units of the DWP on the Fylde then the there is a serious potential for large scale job cuts on the Fylde impacting on everyone.

Local Impact
The employer has now confirmed the local impact of the cuts to be as follows (please note that these appear to be whole time equivalent cuts and therefore the actual number of people being lost from employ may be far higher).

Please note that as you can calculate this as approximately one in five jobs in Helpline/ BEL and one and ten jobs in DCPU Ops are to be cut. Please also note that if the present headcount is above the March 2010 target then there may be more cuts.

The imposition of the cuts in the Civil Service Compensation scheme (which is an outrageous attempt to cut people’s jobs on the cheap) shows that the job security is a key issue to everyone. It now appears that more job cuts are being planned to pay for the bail out of the bankers and the millionaire class. Now that the worst of the recession created by the bankers is over then there will be attempts at a purge on Civil Service jobs. Cutting the compensation makes it cheaper to get rid of people, so there will be more job cuts planned.

Conclusion
The Branch will continue to campaign to defend jobs in the area and also raise key issues such as the expectations of those left behind after the job cuts and the pressures to deliver increasing workloads with fewer and fewer staff.

Which Party

The Telegraph have added a widget for some thought provoking questions and a rough guide as to who's policies your answers lean towards. It's not supposed to be a be all and end all, but may assist some people in identifying which parties thay may wish to read the manifestos of.

Civil Service Compensation Scheme Campaign - Don't Work Overtime

The national overtime ban has been
extended until 14th May 2010.

Support for the action has been very strong and members’ branches are asked to ensure that it continues to be observed strictly. Downloadable material for members and detailed guidance on industrial action is available on the PCS website here and can be found easily from the home page. Members having taken three days of strike action will not expect the campaign to be undermined by handfuls of people who may be persuaded to work outside of their contracted hours. 

Action by branches
Branches are continuing to organise picketing where weekend working is attempted, and are reporting all attempts to work overtime via GECLOs.

Candidates Question Time - Lancaster and Fleetwood

There is to be a candidates question time for the Lancaster and Fleetwood constituency.

This is open to all voters within the area concerned.

Details are below:

Wednesday 28th April 2010 at 7.00pm
Milton Street Youth and Community Centre
Milton Street, Fleetwood
Lancashire
FY7 6QW

Stepping up the pressure: national action called for 24 March

Keep the pressure up

Support the national overtime ban

All out the 24th of March

The action on  the 8th and 9th of March was a great success, solidly supported by members across the UK, and with extensive media coverage. Reports are also available.

Over 200,000 PCS members were on strike.

We now need to keep the pressure up on the employer to come to a negotiated settlement.

Success on 8th and 9th of March

The action on the 8th and 9th of March included:

• Crown and county court sittings cancelled across England and Wales.
• Jobcentres offering little or no service to the public.
• Solid support among Met Police civilian staff working, including 999 operators, community support officers and picket lines at Houses of Parliament for the first time in a generation.
• An estimated 4,000 driving tests cancelled.
• Severe problems calling tax and benefit call centres with some switching to recorded announcements.
• Glasgow passport office closed, appointments cancelled in London and 80,000 passports delayed.
• Severe disruption at Gatwick as 70% of UK Border Agency staff took part in the strike action, and delays at other ports of entry.
• Well attended strike rallies were held across the UK. The London march and rally was supported by several hundred members and won the support of a number of general secretaries of other unions and the TUC.

Media coverage in the run up and of the strike itself was unprecedented across TV, radio, web and print. It was covered on news bulletins throughout the day on all national TV and radio stations and appearances by the general secretary included the Today programme, 5 Live, BBC Breakfast TV, GMTV, Sky news, Channel 4 news. UK-wide broadcast coverage was supported by excellent coverage over the two days in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the regions, where the media visited picket lines and interviewed reps and full time officials.

The message has gone out loud and clear that we will not accept changes to the CSCS that would mean:

• Everyone’s job under greater threat than ever before
• For many people with longer service, the loss of a third of their entitlements, possibly tens of thousands of pounds
• People currently over 50 losing access to an enhanced pension other than on compulsory redundancy
• People reaching 50 in the future losing access to an enhanced pension
• Voluntary severance packages becoming less generous and will be at employer discretion
• People with reserved rights (pre-1987) losing more than half of their entitlements
• People facing privatisation transferring with far less protection – therefore making privatisation more likely

National overtime ban

A national overtime ban is now in effect. The ban will run until 6 April in the first instance. It will be kept under review by the national executive committee. Guidance for reps and members’ leaflets on the overtime ban have been distributed to branches.

These, and all other materials, are available on the PCS website.

If we are to defend members’ entitlements under the CSCS, and defend our jobs, it is very important we do not allow our strike action to be undermined by the employer getting people to work overtime to clear backlogs created by the action.

Branches should now discuss implementation of the ban, seeking advice from Group offices where necessary.

Further action – all out 24 March

We have had successful action. We now need to keep the momentum up. The national executive has decided to call a national strike on Friday 19 March.

A members mailing will be issued to ballot addresses shortly. Meetings with members and other face to face contact using the material on the website should be carried out as a priority to build support for the strike.

Regional meetings of reps are being organised to discuss building the action. These meetings will take place over the next few days. More details will be issued by your regional office.

This is the key period to take such action, in the run up to a general election and before the 1 April when the amendments to the scheme come into effect. The union has made suggestions to the employer that would enable the government to make the savings it says it must make at the same time as protecting existing members’ entitlements. An agreement is within reach but we must step up the pressure.

Legal action

We continue to pursue legal action. The government are attempting to delay this in the courts. Industrial action will help to keep the pressure on.

Lobbying

We have written again to Tessa Jowell, Minister for the Civil Service, stating that we should meet to discuss a negotiated settlement. The government has attempted to downplay the action and disgracefully has tried to reject the prospect of an agreement to settle this dispute. But we know that political pressure on the government has grown, with 162 MPs signing an Early Day Motion. More action can have an effect.

John McDonnell MP, the Chair of the PCS Parliamentary Group, has urged us to continue to lobby MPs and ask them to contact the Minister to urge her to come to an agreement and avoid more damaging action.

Branches are urged to plan lobbies of MPs surgeries where they take place on 24 March and to encourage members to write again to their MPs.

Branches must now:

• Discuss implementation of the national overtime ban.
• Attend reps’ regional briefings: further details will be issued soon.
• Use the campaign materials and talk to members about the action on the 24 March, holding meetings wherever possible.
• Plan to lobby local MPs on the 24 March wherever surgeries are taking place, and urge members to write again to MPs. Detail are on the PCS website.

Thank you for your hard work so far. Industrial action is only called as a last resort and we know that it is not easy for members. But this is the most important dispute we have had for many years. Now is the key time to build more pressure on the government to reach an agreement to settle this dispute.

Mark Serwotka, General Secretary

Janice Godrich, President

Stonewall’s latest amendment to the Equality Bill

The following has been provided by Stonewall:

This is just to let you know that very late on 2nd March Stonewall’s latest amendment to the Equality Bill – to permit civil partnerships to be held in religious premises – was passed in the House of Lords by 95 votes to 21. For those denominations involved – including Quakers and the Liberal Jews – this is a very important step forward and, as we argued throughout, an important matter of religious freedom.


This vote is also hugely important to those lesbian and gay people of faith (and, as Lady Neuberger pointed out, to their Jewish mothers too!) who wish to celebrate their civil partnerships in their own place of worship. Lord Alli tabled the amendment for us and peers across parties supported the measure, including Norman Fowler, former chairman of the Conservative Party.

Sadly, the government continued to oppose the amendment although offered its backbenchers a free vote after the Conservative Party had offered the same. Ministers have known for some months that we intended to table this measure and we regret that the government didn't stand up to the bullying it had faced from the Church of England and Roman Catholic Church on this issue. We'll now work closely with ministers to ensure that we secure implementation of this further step towards equality.

We couldn’t campaign in the way we do without the support of so many thousands of people across Britain. Thank you again for all your help.

Best wishes,
Stonewall

Fair Trade Fortnight: 22 February - 7 March

PCS HQ has supplied the following information:

Fair Trade Fortnight: 22 February - 7 March
This annual event in the awareness raising and positive action calendar has come round again, with the theme this year of "swopping" your "unfair" trade products for fair ones, by lobbying your local retailer. For more information visit the Fair Trade Foundation website here 

Taxing International Financial Transfers to Eradicate Poverty In Developing Countries - The Robin Hood Tax
This idea has been going the rounds as "the Tobin Tax" for some time, but recently received a shot in the arm through its appealing "rebranding" as the Robin Hood Tax. This is a particularly appropriate initiative for PCS to get behind given the number of its members working on tax issues, and the union's ongoing demands for 'tax justice'. To find out more visit the Robin Hood Tax website here.

On Tuesday 10 March there is also a talk about the Robin Hood Tax at the Royal Society of Arts in London; there are currently still seats available for this, but the event will also be viewable as a live webstream. For more information visit the RSA website here

PCS Development Awareness Raising Work
It is very much a case of "watch this space" at the moment, as the union awaits the outcome of its Development Awareness Fund bid to the Department for International Development. A decision is expected before the end of March. The project will focus on how to eradicate poverty and achieve the UN Millennium Development Goals through international tax justice, social protection and Decent Work.

TUC Playfair 2012
On Saturday 27 February the Olympic torch was handed on from this year's Winter Olympics in Vancouver to London, and the Playfair 2012 coalition, coordinated by the TUC, launched its union-wide campaign for an ethical London Games. Funding permitting (see above), the campaign will be a central feature of the Decent Work element of PCS' development awareness work in the coming years. For more information about the new campaign, see the TUC website .

PCS Support Benefits Palestinian Workers
In 2008 PCS supported a TUC Aid Appeal for Palestine, Zimbabwe and Swaziland, and last year ran a members' appeal in its 'International Insights' magazine. The funds destined for Palestine have been used by the Palestinian General Federation of Trade Unions (PGFTU) to run workshops for Palestinian workers to make them aware of their rights. To see what this means at an individual level, see Nedaa AL Zaher's personal testimony on the TUC website here.

CSCS Rallies - North West

Several North West Rallies have been organised to coincide with the first day of the strike over the proposed cuts to the CSCS.

The one local to the Branch is being held in Preston. Details are below:

Preston
Fifty Fifth Division Club

119, Church Street
Preston PR1 3BT

Refreshments available from 12.00 noon, hope to see you there.

----------------------------------------------

Please also see below for details of other North West rallies. Start times slightly variable but no later than 12.30.

Liverpool
Premier Inn
Vernon Street
Liverpool L2 2AY

Refreshments available from 11.30am

CHAIR: Paula Brown, PCS National Executive Committee
Mark Serwotka, PCS General Secretary
Frank Hont, Unison Regional Secretary (Invited)


Manchester
Friends Meeting House
6 Mount Street
Manchester M2 5NS

Refreshments available from 11.30am

CHAIR: Pete Grubb, PCS Salford Revenue Branch
Sue Bond, PCS Vice-President
Kevin Brown, FBU Regional Secretary

PCS hits back at Cabinet Office

PCS hit back today over Cabinet Office claims that changes to the Civil Service Compensation Scheme (CSCS) are fair for staff and will bring the civil service into line with the rest of the public sector.

Far from being fair, the union argued that loyal public servants faced cuts of up to a third in redundancy pay as the government sought to tear up their contractual rights in front of their eyes.

Countering claims that the low paid won’t be affected, the union warned that they faced being stripped of their enhanced pension rights when they reach 50 and that the cuts were about making it easier for the next government to sack people on the cheap.

On turnout, the union pointed to the fact the government had denied MPs a vote on the changes and instead relied on an arcane parliamentary procedure to avoid any debate, discussion or vote. The union also pointed out that the government was elected in 2005 by just 22% of the electorate.

Commenting, Mark Serwotka, PCS general secretary, said: "The Cabinet Office has described these changes as bringing the civil service into line with the rest of the public sector. Yet according to the government’s own figures, civil servants earn nearly £5,000 less per year than the public sector average.

"If the government were serious about bringing the civil service into line with the rest of the public sector then it would address the issue of chronic low pay in the civil service.

"In reality these cuts are an attack on low paid civil servants to make it easier for the next government to make job cuts on the cheap. It has nothing to do with fairness or parity, and instead is a crude cost-cutting exercise.

"The government and the Cabinet Office will be able to see the real strength of feeling among PCS members on 8 and 9 March, when we expect strong support for strike action. Over 35,000 members attended meetings on this issue and 18,000 lobbied the Cabinet Office during the consultation.

"The government and the Cabinet Office can avoid the disruption of industrial action by negotiating an agreement that protects existing members’ rights.”

Civil Service Compensation Scheme

Members vote 'Yes' for action

All out on 8th and 9th of March

A majority of members voting in the national ballot have voted in favour of strike action by 63.4% to 36.6%, and in favour of action short of a strike by 81.4% to 18.6%.

The ballot result sends a clear message to the employer that PCS members will not accept cuts in their accrued rights to fair redundancy compensation at a time when all the main political parties are planning deep public spending cuts.

The national executive (NEC) would like to thank all reps and members for their work in delivering a successful ballot result.

It was agreed to write to the minister for the civil service, making clear our aim of reaching a negotiated settlement and calling on the government to return to talks.

The NEC agreed that notice will be given of a two day national strike on Monday 8 and Tuesday 9 March, and a national overtime ban.

The following Branch Briefing has been issued by PCS HQ:

A majority of members voting in the national ballot have voted in favour of a programme of industrial action:

Question 1: strike action

Number of ballot papers returned 83,126
Number voting YES 51,948 (63.4%)
Number voting NO 29,941 (36.6%)
Invalid ballot papers 1,237

Question 2: action short of a strike:

Number of ballot papers returned 83,126
Number voting YES 66,457 (81.4%)
Number voting NO 15,231 (18.6%)
Invalid ballot papers 1,438

The turnout was 31.6%.

We have had a democratic ballot. All relevant members had the opportunity to vote. A clear majority of members who cast their vote, voted in favour of the action.

The ballot result sends a clear message to the employer that PCS members will not accept changes that would mean:

• Everyone’s job under greater threat than ever before
• For many people with longer service, the loss of a third of their entitlements, possibly tens of thousands of pounds
• People currently over 50 losing access to an enhanced pension other than on compulsory redundancy
• People reaching 50 in the future losing access to an enhanced pension Voluntary severance packages becoming less generous and will be at employer discretion
• People with reserved rights (pre-1987) losing more than half of their entitlements
• People facing privatisation transferring with far less protection – therefore making privatisation more likely

Lobbying for an agreement
As ever, PCS will do all it can to proceed by discussion and negotiation. Letters are being sent to Ministers urging them to negotiate with us to address our demands. Lobbying of MPs will take place in Westminster on 3 March. Branches are being urged to lobby local MPs in constituencies on the weekends of 27/28 February and 6/7 March. Further information is available from your regional office.

Industrial action
The National Executive Committee met on 25 February to receive the ballot result and, in the continuing absence of a positive response from the employer, to decide on the timing of strike action and action short of a strike.

Our aim is to bring about an agreement to improve the amendments to the scheme which the government is taking through Parliament. We need to bring industrial and political pressure to bear in the run up to a general election. The NEC has therefore agreed plans for a sustained industrial programme action in March, coupled with pressure from the legal action we are pursuing (a hearing is likely during March).

Strike action
The NEC agreed that notice will be given of a two day national strike on Monday 8 and Tuesday 9 March.

Regional strike rallies will take place on 8 March. Please contact your branch office for details. A rally will take place in London on 9 March with national speakers.

National overtime ban
The national strike action will be followed by a national action short of a strike which will consist of an overtime ban. The ban will immediately follow the national strike action and run until 6 April in the first instance. It will be kept under review by the national executive committee.

If we are to defend entitlements under the CSCS, and defend our jobs, it is important we do not allow our strike action to be undermined by the employer getting people to work overtime to clear backlogs created by the action.

View further guidance on the national overtime ban

Further action
We will await the response of the employer to the letter being sent to Ministers calling for a negotiated settlement. The NEC will meet on 2 March and, in the absence of a positive response, will finalise plans for a further national one day strike in the week beginning 15 March. In the continuing absence of a positive response, further action in the weeks beginning 22 and 29 March would be held. The NEC will decide on the precise form and date of the action in these weeks at a meeting on 10 March. The aim of the programme of action would be maximise the effect and profile of the action over the key pre-election period whilst minimising the financial loss to individual members as far as possible.

Regional Committees and Town Committees are also being urged to meet to organise meetings of reps to discuss building the action.

Conclusion
On behalf of the NEC we wish to thanks all members and reps for their hard work in achieving this ballot result. We must now go forward united and determined to secure a fair settlement for members.

• Build support for industrial action amongst members and non-members who should be encouraged to join PCS to fight the changes and ensure them protection during the industrial action.
  
• Lobby your local MPs

Mark Serwotka, General Secretary
Janice Godrich, President

A Message from the President

A message to members from the PCS President:

"This is the last week of the ballot which closes on Thursday.

A reminder postcard was sent to all members last week to remind them to vote. Please do all you can in branches and offices to ensure any last ballot papers are posted by Tuesday.

The NEC meets Thursday afternoon to consider the ballot result and decide the next stage of the campaign.

Thanks to all reps and members for your hard work so far.

Janice (on behalf of the NEC)."

DWP Young Members News

Young Members Training Event a Big Success
There were 50 DWP young members at the day and a half training event in Manchester on 26th and 27th November. The focus was firmly on campaigning and organising, with lively debate on how to take key issues forward. The attendees highlighted areas that mattered most to them: low pay and pay progression, CSCS proposals, career progression and job security (the casualisation of staff through FTAs), call centre conditions and the current Contact Centre Campaign. 27 attendees were just ordinary members and not union reps but have now indicated an enthusiasm become active to help PCS campaigns

CSCS proposals: An Attack on Young Members
In the last few months thousands of young members have attended workplace consultation meetings about the attack by the government on the (CSCS) Civil Service Compensation Scheme.

The government’s proposals mean that all our jobs would be cheaper to cut, and at increased risk of privatisation. Young members with less years service are often more likely to be selected for redundancy. PCS nationally and Young members are also demanding that those covered by the Nuvos scheme (entrants after July 2007) should be covered by CSCS. All young union members should fully supporting PCS in our fight for a fair system for all.

Fixed Term Appointments want Permanent jobs
Currently there are nearly 12,000 PCS members on Fixed Term Appointments in Jobcentre Plus. These union members are angry at the lack of job security and are demanding a change.

Our union opposed the decision by management to recruit on this basis, and challenged their reasoning that the recession would be over in 18 months. Our union has consistently raised these concerns in meetings with national Jobcentre Plus management and with the Secretary of State.

PCS recently successfully stopped JCP management from terminating the contracts of hundreds of casual staff from January 2010. The Young Members Advisory Committee (YMAC) along with GEC will continue to push for permanency for the thousands of JCP FTAs remaining.

Contact Centre Campaign
Benefit processing sites and contact centres have a higher proportion of young workers in comparison to other DWP workplaces, often 10–15% more. PCS Young members have made clear that telephone centres with rigid targets and computerised monitoring does not mean a good service to the public.

Young members working in these environments are active in the Contact Centre campaign calling for major improvements in their working conditions and working life.

PCS supports Youth Fight for Jobs
PCS annual conference gave unanimous support to the Youth Fight for Jobs (YfJ) campaign in May 2009. The organisation is striving to improve the conditions of young people in society. It campaigns for an expansion of secure, fairly-paid jobs and apprenticeships for those out of work or in insecure agency or temporary jobs.

The YfJ demands are:

• The right to a decent job for all.
• We won't pay for the bosses' crisis!
• No to job losses. Open the account books to let workers see where the profits have gone.
• Bail out workers not bosses. Nationalise big industries threatening closure or large-scale job losses.
• For fighting trade unions, involving young workers and the unemployed.
• For training linked to decent jobs.
• No to cheap labour apprenticeships! For all apprenticeships to pay at least the minimum wage, with a job guaranteed at the end.
• No to university fees. Support the campaign to defeat fees.
• No to bullying management. For decent working conditions.
• For a living minimum wage of at least £8 an hour for all. No youth exemptions.
• Share out the work. For a 35 hour working week with no loss of pay.
• For government investment in socially useful jobs. For a massive public programme of house building, renovation and infrastructure projects. No to profiteering private companies running these projects.

The PCS young members’ network is actively involved with campaigning alongside YfJ in their local area, including linking up with young people from other trade unions and community organisations and playing a key role on the national YfJ steering committee. YfJ organise events in various locations, often involving jobcentres. PCS activists involved in YfJ have raised concerns that these may be perceived as aggressive towards PCS members. YfJ has made clear to PCS that the demonstrations are not against PCS members, and JCP customers are not antagonised in any way.

Latest DWP Union News

The latest edition of the DWP Union News can be found here.

Swine flu: Reinstatement of DWP Procedures

The Departmental Trade Union Side has been informed that DWP has decided to reinstate the normal Sick Leave and Attendance Management procedures for swine flu related absences for all new cases reported on, or after, 23 February 2010:

The DWP decision is based on the latest data provided by the NHS and the Health Protection Agency which shows that the number of swine flu cases continues to fall and the number of people currently receiving antiviral drugs is the lowest since the National Pandemic Flu Service was activated.

The Government has also announced the closure of the National Pandemic Flu Service, for assessment and treatment of swine flu cases, from 11 February 2010. Health care professionals (GPs, etc.) will now assess cases and issue antiviral drugs when appropriate.

Uganda: Rights Not Repression

The following has been supplied by Avaaz - the world in action:

Gay Ugandans may be sentenced to death if legislation being debated right now passes.

High level international condemnation has just pushed the President to send the bill for review, but Ugandan allies say only a worldwide outcry could tip Parliamentarians away from discrimination, alarming them with global isolation.

You can sign the petition here to oppose Uganda's anti-gay law. There is much more information available on the Avaaz site here.

Cabinet Office Myths

The following has been received from PCS HQ:

Members may have recently received a circular from the Cabinet Office alleging to be the “real story” about the changes to the civil service compensation scheme (CSCS) to correct “well-known myths”.

Ironically, it is the Cabinet Office's statement that contains the myths. We correct them here:

Myth 1:
The CSCS is “out of date” and “had been challenged under age discrimination law”

CSCS could have been reformed to meet age discrimination legislation, without it being cut. The Cabinet Office is simply attempting to make civil servants cheaper to sack and easier to privatise.

Myth 2:
The CSCS created “perverse incentives” where “it could be in someone’s interests to try and leave rather than stay”

Management approves redundancies so it is only a “perverse incentive” if management allows it!

Myth 3:
“Many of the 46 per cent of workers in the Civil Service who earn £20,000 or less will be relatively untouched by the reforms”

Almost every member will be potentially worse off in the event of voluntary redundancy because management will have almost complete discretion.

Myth 4:
“we have introduced special protection for the lower paid – and those earning less than £30,000 can get a different deal”

See above for the reality behind this “special protection”. For those earning over £20,000 but less than £30,000 there is a “different deal” . . . it’s worse.

Myth 5:
“a long-serving civil servant earning £20,000 or less can get up to £60,000 – the same as now”

All staff currently aged under 50 will lose the entitlement to enhanced pension under FER/CER terms once they reach the age of 50. So under this scheme, future long-serving civil servants will be worse off than now

Myth 6:
“all but one of the six Civil Service unions believe the new scheme is fair and balanced and a good deal”

PCS is the largest civil service union, with three times as many civil service members as the others unions combined. It is PCS members who would be most at risk from cuts in the future. Also, NIPSA, the civil service union in Northern Ireland, has not agreed these terms and is taking a judicial review with PCS of the new scheme

Myth 7:
“Unfortunately some of the information contained in the union’s communication is not accurate and this has been raised with the PCS by the Cabinet Office”

We responded to this allegation within 24 hours. We categorically refute the Cabinet Office’s claims and to date we have not heard anything further from the Cabinet Office on this issue.

We urge everyone to vote yes as everyone would be more vulnerable to redundancy under government proposals. Together we can build the pressure to achieve a negotiated settlement that protects all members.

Election for the Posts of BEC Members at Warbreck

To all Members of PCS Fylde Central Benefits and Services Branch at Warbreck

The purpose of this circular is to advise of the details of procedures under Rules 27 and 28 to elect BEC members at Warbreck for the 2010/2011 period.

The following valid nominations were received by the cut-off point on 3rd February 2010.

Craig Barrett, Victor Carman, Simon Clapham, Carl Erwin, Gregg Fothergill,
Deborah Jones, Tony Manning, Alistair Mitchell, Clark Nuttall, Malcolm Phair,
Tracey Pierce, Dave Ray, Garry Wild, Darryl Wolstencroft.

There are the election addresses submitted by the candidates and these can be found here. It will be available at the AGM and a copy can be forwarded on request.

The ballot opens on 17th February 2010 and closes at a time that will be advised during and at the Annual General Meeting on 25th February 2010.

In order to vote in the election there are several ways to do so:

• ballot papers will be available at the AGM on Thursday, 25th February 2010, commencing at 10:15 am at The Cliffs Hotel;


• by a postal vote. Please email Duncan Griffiths from your work email account requesting a ballot paper if you cannot attend the AGM (you will also automatically receive the election addresses);

If you require any further details do not hesitate to contact Duncan by email or on Ext: 63484.

PCS response to Sir Gus O' Donnell

Sir Gus O’Donnell, Head of the Civil Service, has called on PCS members not to vote ‘yes’ in the national ballot on action over the compensation scheme and has stated that other unions have accepted the changes to the scheme proposed by the government.

Despite previously saying that it had reached its ‘final position’, the government has, as Sir Gus says, moved from its original draconian proposals and offered some degree of protection to some existing civil and public servants. These concessions have been won by the resolute opposition of PCS members over 18,000 of whom emailed the Cabinet Office opposing the government’s plans to slash their entitlement to redundancy payments and by the lobbying amongst MPs carried out by the union, 138 of whom have signed an early day motion calling on the government to change course. The concessions would still leave many thousands of PCS members unprotected, however.

PCS represents almost three times the number of civil and public servants than the other unions combined. It is no surprise that the other unions have accepted the proposals. Some of them would have accepted even the original proposals and have since then argued for each new proposal to be accepted despite the detrimental effect on the majority of staff.

But the latest proposals leave a very large proportion of PCS members unprotected. The details will be available on the PCS website. As a union which stands for fairness and solidarity, we have decided that we must continue to try to find a settlement which covers all our members, not just some.

Moreover, accepting such divisive cuts in so many people’s entitlements, as the other unions have done, would weaken the whole union and make job losses and compulsory redundancy much more likely at a time when we know that the major political parties are planning such cuts.

The latest proposals made by Cabinet Office were, in fact, conditional on PCS giving up its right to seek legal protection in the courts. We cannot accept that and we will press ahead this week with a judicial review along with NIPSA, a sister union.

We must continue to build pressure on the government to come to a fair agreement. PCS has identified ways the government could save money while also protecting members’ entitlements. Sir Gus says he has moved a considerable way from the original proposals made last summer. If we are united we can move him further towards a settlement that will protect all PCS members from redundancy.

We urge you to vote `yes’ to both questions in the ballot and ensure that Sir Gus sits down with PCS and talks about how to avoid a dispute, without crude attempts to divide us.
Yours sincerely,

Mark Serwotka Janice Godrich
General Secretary President

Vote Yes to save our Compensation Scheme 2 February 2010

PCS has done everything possible to get a negotiated agreement to protect our rights under the Civil Service Compensation Scheme.

We are taking legal action in the high court to challenge the government. Over 130 MP’s have signed a motion in Parliament supporting our campaign.

Industrial action is a last resort because the government is being unreasonable.

We believe that a negotiated settlement is achievable with good will on both sides but we need to put pressure on the government to see sense.
All PCS members across the civil service are being balloted for action.

A massive YES vote will put pressure on the government to come back to the negotiating table, so make sure you vote and vote YES.

Vote Yes to save our jobs:
Despite the big increase in our workloads caused by the recession, all of our jobs will be at risk over the next few years because all political parties are committed to job cuts.

The Government wants to rip up your contractual rights under the Civil Service Compensation Scheme (CSCS).

If they get away with it the vast majority of PCS members in the DWP and CMEC will be worse off. It will become easier and cheaper for them to cut jobs and privatise work in DWP and CMEC, putting even greater pressure on the staff left to deliver our services.

The value of voluntary packages will be cut and become less attractive increasing the likelihood of more compulsory redundancies as fewer people volunteer.

This affects us all:
For long serving staff this would mean a cut by one third of your money if you are threatened with redundancy. Staff over 50 would lose their right to an enhanced pension.

For thousands of staff recently recruited this also affects you. PCS is committed to getting the best possible scheme for all staff. Any improvements we get will benefit you as well.

For temporary staff PCS is fighting for you to be made permanent. We have a good record of success and have just stopped hundreds of casuals being sacked in Jobcentre Plus. Any improvements will also benefit you.

Protect your job security by getting involved in the PCS campaign now.

Vote YES to both questions for industrial action to stop job cuts on the cheap and defend the civil service compensation scheme.

NEC confirms industrial action ballot on Compensation Scheme proposals

Your National Executive Committee (NEC) met today to review progress in discussions with the Cabinet Office on the civil service compensation scheme.

While they recognised there had been some movement they felt it still did not go far enough in protecting a significant proportion of PCS members’ existing rights and produce the best possible redundancy protection and compensation for all members, now and in the future.

The NEC confirmed that in the absence of an acceptable offer they would proceed with the ballot, due to begin on 4 February. Additionally, PCS will commence legal proceedings to confirm members’ rights under the civil service compensation scheme.

The NEC stressed that it will continue to seek negotiations with ministers and senior government officials to find an acceptable settlement and urged all members to vote “Yes” in the ballot.

PCS Campaigns Update - January 2010

Civil Service Compensation Scheme - Campaign for a Yes Vote
Some progress has been made in recent compensation scheme talks but there is still a considerable distance between us and the employer. Branches are urged to campaign among their membership for a 'yes' vote in the industrial action ballot: www.pcs.org.uk/cscs

Save Our Welfare
Welfare services are under threat as management moves away from face-to-face provision of these services and towards automated telephone helplines. Please support our campaign and let your MP know that you believe civil and public servants need to be properly supported by personal welfare services in their workplace: www.pcs.org.uk/soweaction

PCS Communication Awards 2010
PCS is recognising the vital role our communications play in helping members stay informed with our second annual awards for branch and group communications. See how you can enter the awards: www.pcs.org.uk/awards2010

Consultation on Political Campaigning
We are asking branches for their views on the principle of standing trade union candidates in elections. Tell us what you think: www.pcs.org.uk/a72

National Gallery at PCS site launched
A new section of the website for PCS members working in the National Gallery has been launched. These pages provide members with the latest news, information and ways to get involved: www.pcs.org.uk/ng

Trade Union Appeal and Benefit Concert - Haiti Earthquake
TUC Aid, the trade union charity for working people in need throughout the world, has launched an emergency appeal in response to the earthquake in Haiti. See how you can support the appeal by donating, and attending a fundraising benefit concert featuring Billy Bragg and many other performers: www.pcs.org.uk/haiti

Rally for Public Services
Protect public services, join the march and rally: 30 January, Pier Head Liverpool: www.pcs.org.uk/psrally

PCS Campaigns and Social Networking

A busy year lies ahead and your support is crucial in ensuring we make our voices heard. Please take a few minutes to support our campaigns and don’t forget to ask friends and colleagues to join us.

You can also join the PCS FaceBook group at www.pcs.org.uk/facebook, and follow PCS on twitter, www.twitter.com/pcs_union.

Please do not try and access FaceBook or Twitter from your work PC.

Don't Miss the Bus

The post is to advise members about the Annual General Meeting transport arrangements.

A FREE bus has been laid on for members’ convenience, thank you to all the members who have indicated that they are coming and need transport.

The meeting details are as follows:

Date: Thursday, 25th February 2010
Venue: The Cliffs Hotel, Blackpool
Time: 10.15 am

The pick-up points and times are as follows:

Norcross/Warbreck (Jackson’s Bus/Coach)
Arrive DWP Site, Norcross, Norcross Lane, Blackpool (Main Entrance) 9:30 am
Depart: 9:35 am

Arrive DWP Site, Warbreck House, Warbreck Hill Road, Blackpool (Main Entrance) 9:55 am
Depart: 10:00 am

Arrive Cliffs Hotel, Blackpool: 10:05 am

Depart Cliffs Hotel for return trip (as above, in reverse order) 13:00 pm approx

Peel Park (Jackson’s Bus/Coach)

Pick up at main entrance, Government Buildings, Blackpool Industrial Estate, Brunel Way, Blackpool 9:50 am

Arrive at Cliffs Hotel, Blackpool 10:10 am

Depart Cliffs Hotel (for return trip as above) 13:00 pm approx

A free buffet and refreshments will be served at circa 12.20 pm.

The transport will depart from the venue after the meeting at approximately 1.00 pm.

Most areas will get at least 2 hours time plus reasonable travelling time to attend the AGM. In the DCS DCPU Helpline where people are on contracted hours you should not lose out as a result of attending the AGM as we have held discussions with the employer to try and ensure that there is sufficient time for you to attend the meeting and get back to work, if needs be (as an additional 30 minutes on a flexible basis has been secured).

Please make every effort to attend the meeting. If you need any further details, please do not hesitate to contact Michelle Kenyon, Ext 61186.

PCS Local LGBT Awareness Event

Fylde Central Benefits and Services Branch are holding an Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) awareness event as February is LGBT History Month.

The event will take the form of a road-show/stall on Tuesday 23rd February at 11.45 - 2.00 in C118N at Warbreck House.

There will be plenty of information available and also reps to talk to if you wish to about any of the issues surrounding LGBT issues in the workplace.

We hope to see you there.

Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans History Month

Lesbian Gay Bisexual Trans History Month takes place every year in February. It celebrates the lives and achievements of the LGBT community. We are committed to celebrate its diversity and that of the society as a whole. We encourage everyone to see diversity and cultural pluralism as the positive forces that they are and endeavour to reflect this in all we do.

Lesbians, gay men and bisexuals are found in all occupations and professions, all cultural groups, all social classes, can be of any age and live in all areas of the country.

It is estimated that one in 10 of the population are lesbian or gay. But society assumes heterosexuality is the only natural and acceptable lifestyle.

Many lesbians, gay, bisexual and trans people are forced to hide their identity at work because by openly coming out they risk isolation, victimisation or even dismissal.

Challenging Homophobia & Transphobia
Very often stigma is attached to homosexuality, which results in gay people experiencing a variety of social and economic sanctions. These range from hurtful anti-gay jokes, to outright physical attack or loss of a job. Homophobia is the term used to describe a fear of same sex relationships, or a fear of those who love the same sex. Homophobia at its worst results in violence against lesbians, gay men and bisexuals.

Transphobia is the negative valuing, stereotyping and discriminatory treatment of individuals who do not conform in appearance and/or identity, to conventional conceptions of gender. Trans-identified (transgendered) individuals, lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and their supporters are typically the targets of transphobia. Every day, trans people across the world face violence, abuse, rape, torture and hate crime, inside and outside their homes.

PCS Proud
PCS Proud is the equality group representing lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) members within PCS.

Proud aims to support all LGBT members in the workplace and offer support and training to help those members tackle any problems they may face linked to their sexuality and trans status.
PCS as a union is firmly committed to equality and diversity and actively campaigns on behalf of members in minority groups and communities, including LGBT people. PCS Proud has a national committee organising in every region/county of the UK.

For more information have a look at the website at http://www.pcsproud.org.uk/.

2010 Annual General Meeting

Fylde Central Benefits and Services Branch Proudly Present:

The 2010 Annual General Meeting

Thursday 25th February 2010.
The Cliffs Hotel, Blackpool.
10.15am.

Free transport and free buffet provided.

For further details contact:

Michelle Kenyon
Fylde Central Benefits and Services Branch Organiser
Room C122A, Warbreck House
Ext: 61186

Trade Union Appeal & Benefit Concert: Haiti Earthquake

TUC Aid, the trade union charity for working people in need throughout the world, has launched an emergency appeal in response to the earthquake in Haiti.

Proceeds from the Appeal will be used by the trade union movement in Haiti for emergency relief and long-term rehabilitation of victims in collaboration with the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), which represents 175 million workers across the world and has 311 national affiliates.

Please visit the TUC website to find out more about the appeal and how to donate.

Benefit Concert
The Cuba Solidarity Campaign and the TUC have organised a benefit concert at TUC Congress House, London on Wednesday 3 February, featuring Billy Bragg and many other performers. For more information and booking details go to Concert for Haiti.

PCS is supporting this event.

HP Enterprise Services campaign

Encourage anyone you know in HPe (formerly EDS) to join his colleagues and support the campaign

PCS members in HP Enterprise Services are angry that public money is being spent on large CEO salaries and expenses, rather than rewarding hard working employees who consistently deliver high quality IT services to both the DWP and other clients.

Mark Hurd, the HP CEO received a total compensation package of $42,514,524 (US) for the year end 31 October 2008. In the same year, he spent $135,734 (US) on his personal use of the HP corporate jet!

Is this fair when the members jobs are not secure and they've been asked to take pay cuts?

Encourage members to support the campaign and tell Mark Hurd and HP Enterprise Services that enough is enough!

Our union at HP Enterprise Services PCS is campaigning for:

- Improved job security for all PCS members in the North West and North East – no compulsory redundancies
- Improved pay for those covered by collective bargaining
- An annual pay review for all staff

Below are some suggestions about how our HPe PCS colleagues can support the campaign for fairness at work:

• Send an email to your local MP outlining your concerns (guidance here).
  Invite your colleagues to go to PCS events and meetings and to join PCS if they are not a member.
• Participate in the ballot, which closes on 30 November.

Civil Service Compensation Scheme Campaign

The Civil Service (particularly the Department for Work and Pensions) is one of (if not the) largest employers on the Fylde Coast, however recent Ministerial figures indicate that there are now circa 5,000 DWP staff on the Fylde Coast. There used to be thousands more.

Job Cuts in the Fylde and the attacks on the Civil Service Compensation Scheme.

In the Department for Work and Pensions it has been established that over two thousand one hundred jobs have already been cut on the Fylde. Once the worst of the bankers created recession is over then there could be attempts at a purge on Civil Service jobs.
Following from the recent unilateral attempt to impose changes to civil servants’ redundancy terms, it is clear that the government are preparing to cut more jobs on the cheap. The published proposals have not been agreed with the PCS.

The proposals include the following attacks:

• Slashed - The amount of compensation paid if you are made compulsory redundant.


• Chopped - The amount of money that may be offered on any exit scheme (including compulsory redundancy on voluntary basis)


• Axed - All the enhancements to any early retirement schemes that may be offered in the future will be axed.

It is clear that the Government are preparing to cut more jobs on the cheap. Cutting the compensation makes it cheaper to get rid of people. (There is also concern about the standard of the jobs for those left after the job cuts. Due to attacks on Conditions of Service following the job cuts many of the posts are now of the call centre type).

Membership support for the Campaign
The reaction of members to the Government’s proposals was tested in a series of workplace meetings held in September and October 2009. Over 35,000 members came to 1000 meetings making it the largest such exercise the union has carried out. The overwhelming majority made it very clear that they supported the union’s objectives to protect members’ existing entitlements. More than 80% said that they would support campaigning action if negotiations do not produce the result we need.

The views of members were also made clear in the responses to the Government’s consultation. 18,000 comments were sent to the Cabinet Office, the overwhelming majority of which clearly opposed the proposed cuts to the scheme. This was a marvellous response which communicated effectively the depth of feeling on the issue to the employer.

Legal action
The National Executive Committee has agreed to instigate a judicial review to halt the process by which the Government seems intent of removing members’ accrued rights under the CSCS.
Lobbying of MPs

115 MPs have signed up to an early day motion on the CSCS. Over 100 signatures for an EDM on an industrial issue is a tremendous level of support. This reflects effective lobbying by many members in constituencies, and MPs’ increased receptiveness to that in the run-up to a General Election. The Branch has written to all four local MPs who represent the Fylde area asking for the support.

Further negotiations
Previously the Government has announced that it has come to its ‘final decision’ on the matter. Nevertheless, the Cabinet Office has now agreed to meet the unions to discuss the proposals. The unions have agreed to further discussions in order to make one last effort at finding a way forward without the need for legal or other campaigning action. At the time of writing, however, there was no indication that progress at the meeting towards addressing our substantive concerns is imminent.

Conclusion
In 2010 there will be a General Election and the Branch will be contacting the candidates to ask where they all stand on all the above issues and will provide assistance to members who may also wish to ask the candidates about such matters.

The Branch will ensure that we play our full role in the Campaigning Action that may be needed. Further details will be issued in due course.

Holocaust Memorial Day

On 27th January 1945, Auschwitz-Birkenau was liberated by Soviet troops.

Holocaust Memorial Day is the international day of remembrance for the victims and survivors of the Holocaust and subsequent genocides.

The millions of victims of the Holocaust included Jews, gypsies, disabled people, lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans people, as well as political dissidents and trade unionists.

Despite the harsh lessons of the Holocaust, prejudice and discrimination are still widespread.

Around the world minority groups and political activists still face persecution.

While the grotesque industrialised genocide of the Holocaust has not since been repeated, genocide still occurs, and all too often the world stands by and does nothing. PCS and our sister trade unions around the world are committed to challenging prejudice and combating discrimination.

Yorkshire and Humber are currently piloting a Holocaust Awareness training session for reps.

Holocaust Memorial Day: 27 January 2010 is an opportunity for us to think about what we can do to challenge prejudice together, as a union and as individuals.

We can all make a difference by challenging racism, homophobia and all other forms of prejudice, and supporting campaigns for equality and fairness.

For further information:

http://www.hmd.org.uk/
http://www.het.org.uk/
http://www.annefrank.org.uk/

PCS National Industrial Action Ballot

PCS HQ has supplied the following information:

The National Executive Committee (NEC) has agreed to proceed to ballot members on a campaign of national industrial action, with the aim of securing an agreement that would protect members’ entitlements under the Civil Service Compensation Scheme (CSCS) and provide for acceptable protection for members in the Nuvos pension scheme not covered by the CSCS. The ballot will run from February 4 to February 25.

The Government’s proposed changes to the CSCS threaten to tear up members’ accrued contractual rights and drastically cut compensation payments in the event of redundancy, whether compulsory or voluntary. They would make job cuts cheaper at a time when we know that all the main political parties are planning huge public spending cuts. All members would be at greater risk of redundancy.

Meetings have taken place with government Ministers to make clear our objections and seek new proposals. We have worked hard in an attempt to secure an acceptable settlement. But, so far, the employer has refused to come to an agreement with us.

Membership Support for Action
The reaction of members to the Government’s proposals was tested in a series of workplace meetings held in September and October. Over 35,000 members came to 1000 meetings making it the largest such exercise the union has carried out. The overwhelming majority made it very clear that they supported the union’s objectives to protect members’ existing entitlements. More than 80% said that industrial action should be considered if negotiations do not produce the result we need.

The views of members were also made clear in the responses to the government’s consultation. 18,000 comments were sent to the Cabinet Office, the overwhelming majority of which clearly opposed the proposed cuts to the scheme. This was a marvellous response which communicated effectively the depth of feeling on the issue to the employer.

Legal Action
The NEC has agreed to instigate a judicial review to halt the process by which the Government seems intent of removing members’ accrued rights under the CSCS.

Industrial Action
Feedback from the membership meetings has highlighted the necessity for action to be at a level that will exert sufficient pressure on the employer to bring about an agreement to withdraw the order in Parliament that will have been laid to amend the scheme, which is planned to take effect from 1 April. March will be the key period to build pressure.

The NEC has therefore agreed that members are balloted on a programme of discontinuous industrial action, aimed at maximising disruption to the employer, to include a combination of national strike action, rolling action (i.e. across different departments, or other employers, over different days) and targeted action (i.e. specific areas which are particularly effective at causing disruption). It will be emphasised to members that our intention would be to call effective action at the same time as minimising the financial loss to members as far as possible.

The nature of the action will be subject to consultation with the national campaigns liaison group which meets on Friday 15 January. The NEC will then meet to consider the ballot result and to agree the precise form of action to be notified to the employer.

Lobbying of MPs
115 MPs have signed up to an early day motion on the CSCS. Over 100 signatures for an EDM on an industrial issue is a tremendous level of support. This reflects effective lobbying by many members in constituencies, and MPs’ increased receptiveness to that in the run-up to a General Election.

Further Negotiations
Previously the government has announced that it has come to its ‘final decision’ on the matter. Nevertheless, the Cabinet Office has now agreed to meet the unions to discuss the proposals. The unions have agreed to further discussions in order to make one last effort at finding a way forward without the need for industrial and legal action. At the time of writing, however, there was no indication that progress at the meeting towards addressing our substantive concerns is imminent. It is vital that we keep up the pressure and the NEC has agreed to proceed with the ballot.

What to do if you have been discriminated against at work

The following has been supplied by Stonewall.

The advice given is general advice about the workplace and applies to any workplace. If you think you are being discriminated against at work and are a PCS member, please speak to a local PCS rep on your site.

All employees are now protected by the Employment Equality (Sexual Orientation) Regulations 2003. If you feel that you have been discriminated against or bullied at work because of your actual or perceived sexual orientation, then these regulations might well be relevant to you.

How you are protected
The legislation defines three types of discrimination at work:

Direct Discrimination: According to the new Regulations, treating people less favourably than others on grounds of sexual orientation constitutes direct discrimination.

Indirect discrimination: This means applying a provision, criterion or practice which disadvantages people of a particular sexual orientation. For example, this could apply if an employer only offers benefits to the heterosexual partners of their employees and not to same-sex partners.

Harassment: The legislation defines harassment as unwanted conduct that violates people’s dignity or creates an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.
The legislation provides protection to lesbian, gay and bisexual workers throughout the entire employment relationship – from recruitment to dismissal. The ban on sexual orientation discrimination applies to terms and conditions, pay, promotions, transfers, training and dismissal.

How you could take action
If you feel that you are experiencing harassment or discrimination, here are some steps you could take:

Tell someone at work: Firstly, speak informally to your manager, senior manager, or someone in HR. Tell them what has happened and ask that they take action to help resolve the matter.
If the incidents of discrimination or harassment are ongoing, try to keep a diary, as this could be used as evidence.

Also consider talking to your trade union if you are a member of one. Some unions have specific forums or groups for their lesbian, gay and bisexual members.

If the situation is not resolved, then you could submit a formal grievance to your employer. If you are not happy with how your employer handles your grievance, you can submit an appeal.
Once you have been through these stages, if you are not satisfied that your situation has been resolved, then you could consider seeking legal advice with a view to taking your employer to an employment tribunal. Find out more about employment tribunals here.

The grievance process
Employees may need to use the formal grievance process to resolve the discrimination or harassment they are experiencing at work. Click here to see our guide to the process, which also details some alternative courses of action employees can take.

Statutory questionnaires
If someone feels they have been discriminated against, for example during a job application process, then they could get the employer to fill in a statutory questionnaire. This is a document which can be used as evidence in any future tribunal cases. The employer does not have to respond but if they do not the court can take this into account in any future case.
You can download the statutory questionnaire for sexual orientation discrimination cases from:

http://www.berr.gov.uk/files/file25460.pdf

Discrimination at Work? It’s so over. Stonewalls' plain language guide for employees. Please click on a link below for your free copy here.

Defending the Welfare State

The NPC is co-ordinating a major demonstration along with a number of trade unions, the BMA, RADAR (the disability group) and others in defence of the welfare state and public services on Saturday 10 April 2010 in central London.

Whilst there is still a considerable amount of organising to be done, it is vital that NPC regions and EC representatives begin to encourage large numbers of people to take part.To help, there are a number of resources we have produced:

1. An A5 flyer advertising the event is attached. 100,000 copies are being printed and will be available on request from next week.
2. A special website has been set up at www.10410demo.co.uk. In time this will contain all the information about the event, how to get there etc that people will need.
3. An online petition on the Number 10 website. This can be accessed here.

Please encourage as many supporters as possible to sign it in advance of the demo.

If you require any further information, don't hesitate to get in touch.

In the meantime, we must get the message across that this is THE opportunity for every pensioner to demonstrate on the key issues of pensions and care.

A copy of the flyer advertising the event can be seen here.

Hope Not Hate Strategy

The following has been recieved from Hope Not Hate.

"In the next few months the British National Party will be seeking to win control of its first council, gain dozens of new councillors and even its first Member of Parliament. If we’re going to stop them we’ll need to roll out our largest and most sophisticated campaign yet.

We’ll need to will mobilise thousands of people, raise money, distribute millions of pieces of literature, talk directly to voters in our key wards and harness new technology. It is going to be a tough fight but one, with your support, that we can win.

The BNP threat

The BNP is likely to contest over 200 parliamentary seats in the General Election and up to 1,000 council seats. The main threat is in Barking & Dagenham, where they could take overall control of the council, and Stoke-on-Trent, where they could become the largest single party – and we fear that Nick Griffin could win the parliamentary seat in Barking.

The HOPE not hate campaign has identified 102 council wards in 31 local authority areas that are at risk from the BNP. Just over half of these risk wards are in just 10 local authority areas. The concentration is even starker when one counts the most at risk wards. All but three of the 25 most at risk wards fall in 10 local authority areas, as do 38 of the 50 most at risk wards.The high risk local authorities, where the BNP pose a threat in multiple wards, are Barking & Dagenham, Stoke-on-Trent, Thurrock, Nuneaton, Sandwell, Amber Valley, Burnley, Barnsley, Rotherham and Leeds. But there are other areas, such as Wigan, Tameside and Bexley, where the BNP will be pushing strongly for the first time.

However, amidst the BNP threat we have an opportunity to roll them back. Over half of BNP councillors are up for re-election this May. That means that if we can run an effective campaign we can actually remove a large swathe of BNP representation in local government. It is going to be a hard fight but it is one that we can win.

Barking & Dagenham will be our national priority. We simply cannot allow the election of a BNP MP or for them to take control of the council. While we are massively increasing capacity in the local area we will be giving our supporters ways they can help.

To defeat the BNP we have devised our largest and most sophisticated campaign plan to date."

As you can see, Hope Not Hate are setting out their strategy for the forthcoming period and would like feedback from people as to what they are willing to do to support the campaign. They have prepared a short on-line survey for the collection of this information which can be accessed here.

Please take a moment or two to fill it in.

Adverse Weather and Flexi-time Credits

The following details have been supplied by the PCS DWP Group:

“DWP and CMEC Guidance

DWP and CMEC have basic guidance for serious disruption to public transport and extreme weather conditions under Standards of Behaviour and Flexible Working Hours Procedure.

Standards of Behaviour:

DWP Standards of Behaviour Procedures, Paragraph 38, states:

“38. In the case of travel disruptions or bad weather, you are expected to consider alternative transport options including walking if less than one hour’s walking distance, or secondly, to consider working from an office location closer to home, or from home if practicable. Consideration will be made for issues of diversity and equality, and for your health, safety and welfare.”

CMEC Standards of Behaviour Policy, Paragraph 31, states:

“31. In the case of travel disruptions or bad weather, you are expected to consider alternative transport options including walking if less than one hour’s walking distance or secondly, to consider working from an alternative Commission office closer to home, or from home if practicable. Consideration will be made for issues of diversity and equality, and for your health, safety and welfare.”

Flexible Working Hours Procedures
Both DWP and CMEC Flexible Working Hours Procedures have guidance under Paragraph 3.1 which tells managers to:

“Use discretion about requests for FWH credits for reasons such as serious disruption to public transport and extreme weather conditions”

Health, Safety and Welfare
Managers should give due regard to staffs’ health, safety and welfare, particularly those staff who, as a result of transport disruption, are walking long distances outside of daylight hours in order to attend for work. Managers will need to make use of local knowledge when making decisions regarding what is a reasonable time for staff to start their journey home. Relevant factors to take into account include the route to be taken and weather conditions.

Managers should also consider sympathetically requests for special leave which result from the possible wider effects of transport disruption, for example closure of schools or the breakdown of childcare arrangements.

All decisions must take full account of equal opportunities, family friendly policies and staff health, safety and welfare.”

Local Issues
Through out the holiday period and the cold weather the Branch has raised issues with the employer on the Norcross, Peel Park and Warbreck sites. We have undertaken Health and Safety inspections and have been concerned about the state of the footpaths, the site roads, car park and access and egress routes.

We had provided support and guidance to many members who have been in contact.

Unfortunately there have been serious accidents including fractured bones/ limbs. In these circumstances we have directed the member to the PCS Accident Claim procedures to take forward any appropriate compensation claims.

Although many line managers may have taken a sensible approach there have been occasions of frankly ludicrous and dangerous advice being given by the employer (such as abandoning young children to get into work, or driving 20 miles in the treacherous conditions to attend the Office).

We will continue to counter any nonsense of this kind.

Just Ageing Partners Report

‘Just ageing?’ outlines recommendations for tackling disadvantage in later life, please see the full article here on the Equality and Human Rights Commission website.