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:

If a significant number of people opt out of the employee deal and receive 0.25% this year (and for the subsequent three years); and this means that the additional funds are not spent (due to the anticipated levels of increases to salaries not matching actuals), will there be further discussions in terms of how the unallocated additional funds will be allocated?

 Answer 1:

 Yes. This is an issue that we will want to pursue with the employer

Question 2:

If someone works part time (for example 20 hours a week 4 hours a day), and they apply to revert to being full time; will their new contract be the Employee Deal terms, if they have already opted out?

 Answer 2:

Under the January 2014 policy changes, a member doing this would be agreeing to a clause that gives DWP the right to change their working hours to the employee deal hours if there was a necessary and reasonable requirement to do so. This does not mean that DWP would necessarily invoke this right. We are seeking greater clarity on this point.