The Branch has been alerted to problems in Benefit Services Directorate of members who had applied for part time working as part of their applications to join the DWP.

The following is an extract from a response to the Branch from Senior BSD Management:

“It may help if I explain that the positions are offered full time/part time etc, BUT subject to business needs. 

I understand they did fill in a preference on the hours they would like to work, however before we offered anyone a position, contact was made by phone to check on their preference.  

A decision is made on whether or not this can be agreed/ accepted in line with business need and the person advised of the decision and the agreed working hours, before they are offered a position.  

There is also the added process that an application for a change in hours can not be made until 26 weeks have elapsed.”

The Branch raised examples of the above process not taking place; the response from Senior BSD Management was as follows:

“I am concerned that we do have members of staff where it appears from their perspective that we have not followed our own process. 

Could I ask that each member of staff you have referred to raises this direct with their Team Leader who will pass on to their relevant SEO to consider and look in to please? I will inform all the SEOs of this agreement and they will look in to each one raised with them.” 

The Branch advises anyone who has such problems to raise their issue as outlined above.