Members have raised questions with the Branch on specific points. We have raised these with PCS DWP Group and have received answers, the details are published below:

Question 1:

This one is about the Department’s forward look for part time staff which I believe came into force in January 2014. The person previously had Mondays and Fridays off and  increased their hours on 18/05/2012, working 28:30 hours over 4  days,  Tuesday to Friday with Monday a non-working day. They have not been subject to the ‘annual forward look’ and have retained their Mondays.

Is the ‘annual forward look’ going to be imposed on everybody, regardless on whether they opt in or out of the Employee Deal? Would they have to have an ‘annual forward look’ at my working pattern whatever they decide?

Answer 1:

Under the changes that were introduced in January 2014 any future changes to contractual working hours are done in line with those changes, whether opted in or out. if there is no change to working patterns they remain as they are now if you opt out

Question 2:

Is there any protection  in the proposed collective agreement to stop Senior Management increasing the numbers of Saturdays and late nights worked, i.e. more than 1 Saturday in 4 and 1 late night a week? To do this would Senior Management have to impose a new contract which would have to be agreed by employees?

Answer 2:

The proposed agreement tells managers they are expected to abide by the terms of the agreement so they have no flexibility to act as you describe.