The following details have been supplied by the TUC: The system of sick pay and GP “fit notes” is to be reviewed by the government. A draft consultation document published by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) this week will also examine changes to the controversial work capability assessments (WCA).  The government said the … Continue reading Fit note system and sick pay to be reviewed

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 strange calculation for the new breaks arrangements such as: From 4hrs up to and including 5hrs = 20 minutes Above 5hrs and up … Continue reading DWP Pay – AA to HEO – Snippets

Please find attached the ARMs newsletter October 2016 at the link. October Newsletter  

Stage 1 starts from 1st November 2016 and Stage 2 from 6th February 2017 New Flexible Working Hours Agreement Following consideration of feedback from members, and DWP agreement to amend certain proposals, the PCS DWP Group Executive Committee (GEC) agreed a new FWHA at its meeting on 20th October 2016. This will be implemented in … Continue reading DWP Flexible Working Hours Agreement

PCS met with Operations management to discuss Festive leave levels week commencing 24th October 2016. Management have looked at the levels of staffing that they believe are required to meet urgent demand from the public over the Christmas and New Year period. The levels of leave that can be accommodated are minimum levels that the … Continue reading Festive Leave in Operations

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: Please see the details below, from OED: “Operating hours  Our  business operating hours from October 2016 are 7.45am to 6.30 pm, Monday to Friday. Following queries … Continue reading DWP Pay – AA to HEO – Snippets

Please see the attached link for further details: Team Planning Tool

VOTE YES TO REJECT THE OFFER Introduction The 'offer' from the Cabinet Office on a revised Civil Service Compensation Scheme contained swingeing cuts to members’ redundancy terms. The offer is a package that also includes an attack on the national agreement on redundancy avoidance and on compensation for dismissals. In an act of cynicism representing … Continue reading Membership ballot on Government ‘ offer’ on cuts to civil service redundancy pay

Stress in DWP Over recent months PCS members have been reporting that they are experiencing unprecedented levels of stress. Members put this down to the ever decreasing staff levels, loss of experienced staff and managers, constant change, unrealistic targets and a more oppressive organisational culture. For example members of all grades working in Jobcentres have … Continue reading Guidance on Managing and Reporting Stress at work

Although this is entitled get ready for your mid year it also has the details in about challenging any unfair marking:  Dispute unfair ratings  It is best practice to try to resolve disputes informally and only resort to formal action as a last resort. However, you can raise a formal grievance and appeal under People … Continue reading Challenge Unfair mid year ratings