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:

Under the new flexi arrangements which apply regardless if you opt in or opt out, if you set your start time at for example 9:00 am, and arrived at work at 9:10 am without good reason, would you be potentially be disciplined?

If you opt out would this reduce the likelihood of you being disciplined for not adhering to your set start times?

Answer

 We are working on the guidance on how the collective agreement will be implemented in detail.  It will make clear the points about the fixed start time.  What we have stressed to members in offices where the system is in place is that members should put a safe time as their fixed start time.  So if their bus can vary in its arrival time by 15 mins the member should put the latest time that they would be definitely be in by. But they can still arrive earlier and clock in on the days the bus arrives earlier.

Volunteer wise it is likely that there won’t be a great problem staffing the start of the day and it is likely there will be spare capacity at this end of the day. As long as there are enough staff to deal with the forecast demand then which individuals on the team this is – is not that important.  The more members work together to sort out the flexi the more this will work properly across teams. Some members will be working up flexi from 8 which can help and there is some flex in the numbers to take into account  issues which will arise like sickness, leave, training etc as well. The emphasis is on making this work across the teams so as long as the cover works then there should be minimal management involvement. This should also prevent the need for managers to tackle individuals.

Everyone will be included in the flexi system so does not make a difference if you are in ED or have opted out.