It’s the one time in the year when the Friday e-mail goes out on a Thursday.
I’m just about to leave for my father’s funeral. It will seem odder than it otherwise would for there to be so few people at the funeral of such a gregarious man.
But these are strange times and we all need to continue to observe the social distancing rules. Funerals attended by immediate family are an exception but I won’t be hugging anyone or attending a wake.
One day this will be over and his family and friends will come together and celebrate his life.
The spring brings warmth, the trees grow new leaves and the flowers come up. We will be able to live our lives again. I sincerely hope that we don’t go back to the old normal of inequality, poverty, division and despair. We are better than that.
Here is the latest news.
Coronavirus
We have negotiated special policies for coronavirus. Guidance is here.
We have had significant good outcomes for members even if some of them have taken time, such as shutting Jobcentres to all members of the public except those who cannot be dealt with in any other way.
There are still some areas where we think more could be done.
Senior managers at a local and national level have been really approachable and we are continuing to talk to them. We have taken up the cases of a number of members where there has been a disagreement about the interpretation of policy. We have a good success rate. HR policies are changing so quickly that there are often gaps when they are first published. PCS reps are more than happy to discuss issues with managers and offer advice as most managers are members, too.
If you have concerns please get in touch with your rep if they are in work or send an e-mail to the shared mailbox.
Please stay up to date by reading PCS circulars and looking at information on the intranet. It’s worth joining the branch Facebook group for updates circulars and discussion. See below for details of how to join the Facebook group.
AND REMEMBER in times of crisis it is more important than ever to join a union. Ask all your colleagues, friends and relations to join a union and if any of your colleagues are members but don’t get this e-mail ask them to e-mail me and ask to be put on the list.
Clap for Carers
The event still goes on. It is important that we remember that clapping is not enough. Some front line key workers are still not receiving the PPE that they require and we all deserve a decent pay rise. Actions speak louder than words (or clapping).
Keeping Healthy
I hope that people are keeping well and following the advice to try and avoid catching coronavirus.
But there are other health considerations. It is a good idea to try and maintain some physical exercise if you are able to. I have been walking round in circles in my garden while I am on telekits to get some physical exercise.
And look after your mental health. Some people are starting to be affected by the isolation and frustration of being at home. And possibly worse is the staff left in the offices with half or even more not at work. In Jobcentres in particular I have had reports of members under huge pressure trying to set up UC claims as quickly as possible to help the public survive. The new aspiration to clear 20 claims a day is clearly to help those most in need but it needs to be managed in a supportive rather than a punitive manner. You can only do what you can do. If you are a line manager please look after your staff and yourself. We are all feeling the strain.
There is a lot of advice on the internet and intranet about how to help manage your stress. And make use of the annual leave provisions that we now have. Please note that the rules changed this week for staff who are working and for those on special leave. Please make sure that you are up to date with this. Don’t do too much and burn out. This won’t help you, the business, the public, or your colleagues.
Overtime
PCS has approved the use of overtime in a number of areas. We know that we have a big job on to try and get money to those most in need. PCS has negotiated enhanced rates of overtime including for part-time workers. But please don’t do too much. You need to look after your own physical and mental health. And remember that overtime is ALWAYS voluntary.
Availability of reps
As well as me working from home a number of our reps are at home for medical reasons. And next week we have even fewer in work due to leave over Easter. The remaining reps are negotiating with management and members about coronavirus and keeping people safe. We have now set up regular communications with managers at CMG site level and Jobcentre District level feeding in issues from reps and members who are at home and those in work as we still represent all of our members.
Please be patient at this time. We ask managers to defer HR issues where possible so as to enable managers, staff, and reps can concentrate on safety and business continuity.
The following is now in the coronavirus guidance:
You should be flexible and practicable in applying deadlines in any procedures, not just Grievance. Your discretion should be applied, based on the circumstances, to allow reasonable additional time for things to get done in the current situation. This might apply to deadlines for submitting grievances, notice of meetings and time allowed for trade union reps. or note-takers to be obtained. To the greatest extend possible, travel between sites for meetings should be avoided, with participants expected to agree telephone, VC or Skype meetings.
PCS Branch Reps
There is a list of reps on the Branch Blog. Please find out your local one. If you don’t have one on site why not volunteer?
PCS Records
It’s a good idea to make sure that your details are correct, both to comply with GDPR and so that PCS can contact you. You can use the update function, here and or log on to the PCS web site to register or check and update your details. If you cannot update your details please get in touch.
If you get an e-mail, a text, or a call from PCS to check your details and ask about your participation it is genuine. Please say hello from me and help our PCS team.
Communications
It is essential that members know what is going on in the union. Please talk to your colleagues and your nearest rep (if you have one on site). There is also information of the web sites. If you register as above you will receive information about campaigns and what is going on in PCS.
Recruitment
The more members we have the stronger we are. We are planning an extra push on recruitment.
If your colleagues are not members ask them to join. If they don’t receive these e-mails ask them to drop me a line and I’ll put them on my distribution list.
Facebook
PCS also has a national and local branch Facebook page but you cannot view these on DWP equipment. Log on to your Facebook account and search for PCS DWP Leicestershire Branch. If you are not a recognisable member of the branch you won’t be added so let me know your real name if you use an alias on Facebook.
Other News
Other news is, as usual, on the relevant web site.
How to get help with a personal case
Please follow the instruction on the branch blog. Do NOT contact me personally or it may slow down your case. DO NOT SEND THE FORM TO THE PCS LEGAL E-MAIL ADDRESS.
In order for us to effectively negotiate on your behalf please let us know of the issues in your workplace by replying to our PCS branch mailbox or by clicking reply to this e-mail.
It’s Easter this week, the most important Christian festival of the year. Whether you celebrate or not we can all enjoy hot cross buns and chocolate eggs.
For Jews it is the end of the Passover week and Sikhs are celebrating Vaisakhi on Monday.
I’ll miss the buzz around this multicultural city of ours this year.
Whatever you are doing make a difference.
Watch out for my e-mail next Friday.
Chris Willars Branch Secretary PCS DWP Leicestershire Branch
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