Lockdown Restrictions
The local paper has done some good work on trying to get
information on the lockdown from government and into the public domain. The web site is here. Please
note that not all links, videos, etc. will work due to DWP security
restrictions.
All DWP workers are still classed as key workers and all DWP work
will continue to be carried out as it has been so far during lockdown. Travel
to work is still classed as essential travel so staff who are currently working
in an office will still be asked to travel to work. This includes staff who
live and work in the lockdown area as well as staff who work in the lockdown
area but work inside and vice versa. The national steer from DWP is that
offices will not be shut because of the Leicester lockdown.
City Jobcentres
The further opening of Jobcentres in the city of Leicester will
not happen during the local lockdown. We asked and management immediately
agreed. They will continue to operate as they have been doing over the national
lockdown period.
County Jobcentres
District management are still keen for limited further opening in
line with the national decision. We have had some talks and got assurances
about safety for members. We are working with management and are happy that
they take staff safety as seriously as we do. If there are serious issues we
would look to return to our current ways of working. If you have concerns about
seeing customers under the new circumstances please talk to your manager. If
you cannot resolve the issues please talk to a PCS rep. If you have any safety
concerns please speak to us so we can take those concerns into account in the
risk assessment.
CMG
We are in regular discussions with centre management and are
working with them to ensure your safety. We have raised your concerns and
issued a further joint statement with management to make sure that everyone is
vigilant about 2m social distancing, hand washing, and other safety measures.
Other Parts of DWP
If you do not work for the Jobcentre or CMG parts of the
organisation and have issues not covered by the e-mail, please let me know. I
will ensure that those concerns are escalated to the correct negotiating body.
More Information
Please see the circular here which
covers many of the issues in this e-mail. Please also see this circular on the
further opening of Jobcentres. Please make sure that you notify PCS of any
safety concerns that you have so that we can try and incorporate measures in
the risk assessment to ensure your safety. If you still feel that you safety is
severely compromised and we are unable to resolve this PCS has produced some legal advice here. Please
speak to your PCS rep first so that we can try and resolve any issues.
Survey
Contacting us
If you cannot contact a site rep please e-mail the shared mailbox
from which this e-mail was sent.
DO NOT send e-mails to PCS head office or to me personally as it
could slow down your case.
Branch Secretary PCS DWP Leicestershire Branch
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