PCS Latest News - Special Edition

Leicester Lockdown

We are still trying to get the full details and implications of what it means for members who live and/or work in the area affected.

 

A number of our branch reps were on a PCS conference call yesterday and will be talking to our health and safety community and negotiating with local and national management. It’s a bit ad hoc and chaotic at the moment while both PCS and management are seeking advice and considering what measures need to be in place.

 

As a first action PCS asked DWP at national level to not open up city Jobcentres next week as initially planned. We are still awaiting a response. To be fair to managers this was before the official announcement last night.

 

Our understanding is that, in the main, the lockdown measures which are in place will stay in place with non-essential shops shutting. Schools should still remain open for key workers which includes all of DWP. Essentially this seems to mean that members will be asked to keep on working as they have been since lockdown started.

 

We recommend, even more strongly, that you strictly apply 2m social distancing and that guidance of handwashing, public transport, etc. is followed more rigorously than ever.

 

I would urge all managers and staff to err on the side of caution in keeping people safe. If anyone has particular problems related to this issue please speak to your manager. If you cannot resolve the issue please talk to a rep or drop an e-mail to the PCS shared mailbox.

 

Check for updates on the branch blog and Facebook page. I’ll send out my Friday e-mail as usual and another special edition if I have anything significant to report.

 

 

Chris Willars
Branch Secretary PCS DWP Leicestershire Branch

PCS Latest News

Congratulations to Liverpool on winning the men’s English football premiership. At the end of the storm, there’s a golden sky. If the forecast is to be believed the weather will do the opposite. Stay safe in the thunderstorms.

 

Here is the latest news. I’m sorry it’s a bit late in the day today. I’ve been doing personal casework all morning.

 

Reopening Jobcentres

The initial reports received by PCS were that we would pretty much go back to the Before Covid (BC) ways of working in Jobcentres with less than a week’s notice. Fortunately that is not the plan.

 

PCS will work to try and keep members and the public as safe as possible. We are hoping for more detailed plans as we cannot assess and reduce the risks without them. We will continue to work with managers at a national and local level to keep you safe.

 

More detail is in the circular here.

 

Pay

PCS has submitted a pay claim of 10%. This goes nowhere near restoring what we have if pay had kept pace with inflation over the last 20 years. The pay offer doesn’t get close to meeting our request. See the latest PCS circular here. The management take on the offer is here.

 

Supporting People Back to Work

Managers are contacting staff to work through a checklist to get everyone working again. This DOES NOT mean that everyone will be back in the office. Please read the circular here for the PCS steer on this issue. You will be given advance notice of the discussion and a checklist to complete. All managers and staff should familiarise themselves with the procedures here.

 

Promotion Opportunity

The economic impact means that DWP is recruiting thousands of EO work coaches. This is being done by promotion from DWP, the wider civil service and other public bodies. If you are an AO seeking promotion then I wish you good luck. If you are an EO looking for a move of office then this may be a good opportunity as we know there are vacancies. If you need any help or have hit some sort of obstruction then please contact PCS.

 

What will happen to the resulting shortfall in AOs remains to be seen. PCS are pushing for further recruitment of all grades and also in other parts of our business, such as CMG, so we can provide a service to the public.

 

The vacancy details are here. You will have to log on to Civil Service Jobs to view it. Closing date for applications is 30 June 2020.

 

Softphone System

PCS still has Health & Safety concerns about using the Softphone system if you are homeworking.

I know that PCS Health & Safety reps at all levels of the union are working hard to ensure that risk assessments and 6 point plans are in place which will actually work for the members who are being asked to do telephony work. The PCS view is that management could have done more at a national level. We have worked hard to try and get robust systems in place which will work locally.

 

Check out the PCS web site and our Facebook page for updates. If you have any concerns please get in touch with us. We are feeding issues up to national level on at least a weekly basis.

 

Other Coronavirus Information

Please check out all the special policies for coronavirus. Guidance is here. This is the management site and should be cross referenced with PCS guidance. Please note that PCS does not necessarily agree with all of these policies.

 

PCS continues to negotiate on behalf of members both locally and nationally.

 

If you have any questions about coronavirus HR guidance or need a rep to support you please contact us using the branch shared mailbox.

 

Flexi Credit

The results of the PCS survey were discussed with management at a national level. PCS were arguing for a shorter working day but we did get offered an hour a week flexi credit for those still having to travel in to work. While it is a fairly crude measure it is very simple to apply and there is no maths or discretion involved. See the circular here for more details.

 

JOIN PCS

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.

 

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 please try to look after the mental health of yourself, your colleague, your friends and your family.

 

Availability of reps

We now have more reps available to help members but for obvious safety reasons this will be, in many cases, done by e-mail, phone and Skype. 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.

 

PCS National News

PCS News in DWP

The branch blog, www.pcsdwpleicestershire.blogspot.co.uk.

 

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.

 

This is the part of the e-mail when I talk about events but they are almost all off. Some have moved online so the more tech savvy people can download Zoom and join in.

 

As lockdown lifts please remember that the virus is still as deadly as ever. Social distancing is still 2m unless you can’t maintain that distance. As we have assessed our offices for 2m it will stay 2m in those locations. And then it is at least 1m but also with other measures such as screens, face coverings, special seating plans, etc.

 

Please be careful. My mother in law, a couple of friends, and at least one member of this branch have died from Covid-19. There is a spike in infections in parts of Leicester and maybe in Wigston, too. I don’t want to lose anyone else. Please look after yourselves and each other.

 

Enjoy your weekend and I’ll be back next week. Whatever you are doing make a difference.

 

Watch out for my e-mail next Friday.

 

 

Chris Willars
Branch Secretary PCS DWP Leicestershire Branch

PCS Latest News

It’s been a week of swirling surrealism, contact tracing, home working, and trying to steer traumatised members and traumatised managers through ever changing guidance. And today I have the day off to go and collect my mother in laws ashes. Covid-19 has turned everyone’s world upside down and I don’t like it (expletives deleted).

 

Here is the latest news.

 

Promotion Opportunity

The economic impact means that DWP is recruiting thousands of EO work coaches. This is being done by promotion from DWP, the wider civil service and other public bodies. If you are an AO seeking promotion then I wish you good luck. If you are an EO looking for a move of office then this may be a good opportunity as we know there are vacancies. If you need any help or have hit some sort of obstruction then please contact PCS.

 

What will happen to the resulting shortfall in AOs remains to be seen. PCS are pushing for further recruitment of all grades and also in other parts of our business, such as CMG, so we can provide a service to the public.

 

The vacancy details are here. You will have to log on to Civil Service Jobs to view it. Closing date for applications is 30 June 2020.

 

Pay

PCS has submitted a pay claim of 10%. This goes nowhere near restoring what we have if pay had kept pace with inflation over the last 20 years. See the attached circular and watch out for updates on negotiations and the PCS campaign.

 

Black Lives Matter

It’s hard to argue that racism is not an issue in this country as well as abroad. It is vital that PCS stands up for equality and fairness for all. See here for the PCS DWP Group statement and here for the national statement.

 

PCS Forum on Covid-19 Impact on BAME Communities

BAME people are affected more severely by coronavirus and we still don’t know why. The PCS Black Members Committee online forum replay is on YouTube. PCS continues to push for answers to our questions and protection for our members. If the government publishes the recommendations which should have been attached to their report we may have some leverage to get those changes.

 

And neither local managers nor local PCS reps can directly influence what will be national decisions. Please be patient with our reps. We are listening to your concerns and passing them on to our national negotiating team.

 

Coronavirus

We have negotiated special policies for coronavirus. Guidance is here. This is the management site and should be cross referenced with PCS guidance. Please note that PCS does not necessarily agree with all of these policies.

 

PCS continues to negotiate on behalf of members both locally and nationally.

 

If you have any questions about coronavirus HR guidance or need a rep to support you please contact us using the branch shared mailbox.

 

Flexi Credit

The results of the PCS survey were discussed with management at a national level. PCS were arguing for a shorter working day but we did get offered an hour a week flexi credit for those still having to travel in to work. While it is a fairly crude measure it is very simple to apply and there is no maths or discretion involved. See the circular here for more details.

 

Homeworking

New guidance on getting staff back to work was published this week. This does NOT mean that staff who are homeworking will be asked to return to the office. If you are on special leave with pay you will have a call from your manager to put a plan in place to get you working from home. You will receive advance notice of the call and some information about the process so that you can think about what you need. If you are in the vulnerable group (rather than the extremely vulnerable group) and it is IMPOSSIBLE to work from home you may be asked to work from the office. This should only be the last resort.

 

If your manager rings you at home please be nice to them and have an open and honest discussion.

 

Make sure that you have the conversation with you manager. If they refuse to make reasonable adjustments or you think that what you are being asked to do is unreasonable please contact PCS using the shared mailbox. If you are a manager please ensure that you familiarise yourself with the guidance on reasonable adjustments before you make the calls.

 

Guidance is here.

 

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.

 

Softphone System – URGENT UPDATE

PCS still has Health & Safety concerns about using the Softphone system if you are homeworking.

I know that PCS Health & Safety reps at all levels of the union are working hard to ensure that risk assessments and 6 point plans are in place which will actually work for the members who are being asked to do telephony work. We have worked hard to try and get robust systems in place which will work locally.

 

Check out the PCS web site and our Facebook page for updates. If you have any concerns please get in touch with us. We are feeding issues up to national level on at least a weekly basis.

 

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 please try to look after the mental health of yourself, your colleague, your friends and your family.

 

Availability of reps

We now have more reps available to help members but for obvious safety reasons this will be, in many cases, done by e-mail, phone and Skype. 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.

 

PCS National News

PCS News in DWP

The branch blog, www.pcsdwpleicestershire.blogspot.co.uk.

 

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.

 

This is the part of the e-mail when I talk about events but they are almost all off. Some have moved online so the more tech savvy people can download Zoom and join in.

 

It’s Father’s Day on Sunday. It might be tough for some people such as me who have lost their father recently and for those who cannot see their children because of Covi-19 restrictions. Look after each other.

 

Enjoy your weekend and I’ll be back next week. Whatever you are doing make a difference.

 

Watch out for my e-mail next Friday.

 

 

Chris Willars
Branch Secretary PCS DWP Leicestershire Branch

PCS Latest News

It’s been a week dominated by Black Lives Matter protests with a sting in the tail that the economy has shrunk by over 20% in April. Both issues are directly relevant to PCS members both in work and out of it.

 

The economic news is so new that PCS nationally have not had a chance to respond but we will, no doubt, push for more staff to deal with the rise in unemployment and press our case for us to be recognised financially for the key work that we do. We will also need to strengthen our policies on estates, health and safety and home working given the coronavirus crisis is still with us. We need to ensure that our members are not swamped with work and subject to undue stress, and that we have sufficient resource to be able to serve the public in a way that we would like to.

 

Here is the latest news.

 

Black Lives Matter

It’s hard to argue that racism is not an issue in this country as well as abroad. It is vital that PCS stands up for equality and fairness for all. See here for the PCS DWP Group statement and here for the national statement.

 

PCS Forum on Covid-19 Impact on BAME Communities

BAME people are affected more severely by coronavirus and we still don’t know why. PCS Black Members Committee have organised an online forum using Zoom to discuss the issues. See here for details on how to register. If the event is full you will be able to catch up later as the event is being recorded and will be available on YouTube.

 

Coronavirus

We have negotiated special policies for coronavirus. Guidance is here. This is the management site and should be cross referenced with PCS guidance.

 

PCS continues to negotiate on behalf of members both locally and nationally.

 

If you have any questions about coronavirus HR guidance or need a rep to support you please contact us using the branch shared mailbox.

 

Flexi Credit

The results of the PCS survey were discussed with management at a national level. PCS were arguing for a shorter working day but we did get offered an hour a week flexi credit for those still having to travel in to work. While it is a fairly crude measure it is very simple to apply and there is no maths or discretion involved. See the circular here for more details.

 

Homeworking

Equipment has been purchased and is being given out to staff to work from home. This will enable staff who are on special leave to work and to help to stop our offices becoming overcrowded when full lockdown end but we still need to observe social distancing.

 

If your manager rings you at home please be nice to them and have an open and honest discussion.

 

It is a reasonable request to ask you to work from home. It is not reasonable to ignore reasonable adjustments and specialist equipment and applications that you may need. You will need the physical space to site the equipment and either wifi at home or be supplied with a 4G dongle.

 

Make sure that you have the conversation with you manager. If they refuse to make reasonable adjustments please contact PCS using the shared mailbox. If you are a manager please ensure that you familiarise yourself with the guidance on reasonable adjustments before you make the calls.

 

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.

 

Softphone System – URGENT UPDATE

PCS has Health & Safety concerns about using the Softphone system if you are homeworking.

As of the issue of this e-mail I have not seen any update from PCS to add to last weeks. I know that PCS Health & Safety reps at all levels of the union are working hard to ensure that risk assessments and 6 point plans are in place which will actually work for the members who are being asked to do telephony work from home.

 

Check out the PCS web site and our Facebook page for updates. If you have any concerns please get in touch with us. We are feeding issues up to national level on at least a weekly basis.

 

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 please try to look after the mental health of yourself, your colleague, your friends and your family.

 

Availability of reps

We now have more reps available to help members but for obvious safety reasons this will be, in many cases, done by e-mail, phone and Skype. 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.

 

PCS National News

PCS News in DWP

The branch blog, www.pcsdwpleicestershire.blogspot.co.uk.

 

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.

 

This is the part of the e-mail when I talk about events but they are almost all off. It is Trooping the Colour for the Queens official Birthday tomorrow but even that is very low key. And it does mean that we get our one remaining day of privilege leave.

 

Enjoy your weekend and I’ll be back next week. Whatever you are doing make a difference.

 

Watch out for my e-mail next Friday.

 

 

Chris Willars
Branch Secretary PCS DWP Leicestershire Branch

PCS Latest News

Another week of lockdown. Well lockdown-ish. We can now see local family and friends IF we stay socially distanced.

 

At least the weather feels more normal for the time of year.

 

Stay local, stay socially distanced, and stay safe everyone.

 

Here is the latest news.

 

Black Lives Matter

I think everyone was shocked by the George Floyd story. It has certainly brought the issue of racial discrimination to the fore. PCS will support all of our members to get equal rights. BAME members and black communities throughout the world - your fight IS our fight.

 

See the attached circular for a statement from our GEC.

 

Coronavirus

We have negotiated special policies for coronavirus. Guidance is here. This is the management site and should be cross referenced with PCS guidance.

 

PCS continues to negotiate on behalf of members both locally and nationally.

 

If you have any questions about coronavirus HR guidance or need a rep to support you please contact us using the branch shared mailbox.

 

Fans and air conditioning

DWP have taken the sensible decision to remove ALL fans in the office and only use air conditioning that draws in outside air. Circulating air means that the 2m social distancing would not be nearly enough and will put our members at increased risk of catching coronavirus.

 

If you see fans being used or have concerns about air conditioning please contact your PCS Health & Safety rep immediately.

 

If you have a fan as a reasonable adjustment please have a discussion with your line manager. It may be possible to make alternative reasonable adjustments such as sitting by an opening window or working from home. If you are the line manager of such a member of staff please discuss the issues as soon as possible.

 

If you cannot reach agreement or the conditions for the whole office are intolerable please consult your PCS rep.

 

Homeworking

Equipment has been purchased and is being given out to staff to work from home. This will enable staff who are on special leave to work and to help to stop our offices becoming overcrowded when full lockdown end but we still need to observe social distancing.

 

If your manager rings you at home please be nice to them and have an open and honest discussion.

 

It is a reasonable request to ask you to work from home. It is not reasonable to ignore reasonable adjustments and specialist equipment and applications that you may need. You will need the physical space to site the equipment and either wifi at home or be supplied with a 4G dongle.

 

Make sure that you have the conversation with you manager. If they refuse to make reasonable adjustments please contact PCS using the shared mailbox. If you are a manager please ensure that you familiarise yourself with the guidance on reasonable adjustments before you make the calls.

 

If you work from home then you fall into the category of staff who are working rather than staff on special leave and the relevant HR policies about leave, etc. will change for you.

 

Please note that home workers will be able to claim expenses to cover costs. Please check out the guidance and talk to your manager before buying or claiming anything.

 

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.

 

Softphone System – URGENT UPDATE

PCS has Health & Safety concerns about using the Softphone system if you are homeworking. PCS says don’t work on the phone from home until the risk assessment process has been completed.

Things have moved on since last week and things haven’t moved on.

 

Please see the attached circular for details.

 

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 please try to look after the mental health of yourself, your colleague, your friends and your family.

 

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.

 

PCS National News

PCS News in DWP

The branch blog, www.pcsdwpleicestershire.blogspot.co.uk.

 

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.

 

Enjoy your weekend and I’ll be back next week.

 

Whatever you are doing make a difference.

 

Watch out for my e-mail next Friday.

 

 

Chris Willars
Branch Secretary PCS DWP Leicestershire Branch