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:

I have seen a “factsheet” that indicates the following:

“Line managers should notify the Team Administrator when a member of the team is leaving. The Team Administrator will arrange for the team member to be removed and review the impact this will have on the overall plan.

A single departure should not require any further action. However, where there are many departures that leave which increases a gap in coverage at a key time, the Team Administrator should consider whether there is a need for changes and if there is scope for seeking movement from team colleagues from other times in the day. If shifting resource leaves a gap at other key times of the day, no further action is required. Where there is potential scope, i.e. the gap is at the 8am but the 5pm slot is oversubscribed, the team will collectively discuss options.

Team planning to meet customer demand will work effectively when delivered as intended through discussion and negotiation within teams to arrive at mutually acceptable outcomes with line management intervention to resolve any issues as the exception rather than the norm.

Where gaps remain, team members can be asked to consider changing their agreed working pattern plan. It is unlikely to occur but if the circumstances were extreme, an employee could be given short notice of a change in working pattern if the circumstances were reasonable and fits with the individual’s circumstances.”

Is this correct?

Answer

Thank you for your question.

As stated in the ‘Starters, Leavers (etc.) Factsheet’ and copied in your email below: It is unlikely to occur but if the circumstances were extreme, an employee could be given short notice of a change in working pattern if the circumstances were reasonable and fits with the individual’s circumstances.

The criteria for a short notice change is strictly limited, the business circumstances have to be extreme and the decision would have to be reasonable and fits with the individual’s circumstances. It is also recognised that such a business need is unlikely to occur.