PCS Latest News

Another week and coronavirus news dominates the headlines; in the country and locally. There are, of course, other issues but I’m not going to comment on extending free school meals through the school holidays. Whatever your views on letting children go hungry I’ll let you make your own mind up. Personally I think that child poverty is a bad thing. Local foodbanks are all looking for donations of time, money and food. Please help out if you can in any way that you are able to. Remember that the virus has not gone away. We are seeing a second spike in infections. Please keep following the rules to protect the public, your colleagues, your friends, and your family. And despite its shortcomings I strongly recommend that you download the NHS app if you have a suitable smartphone. Here is the latest news. Pay Please, please, please SIGN THE PCS PETITION. Do it NOW. Ask your colleagues to sign, ask your friends to sign, ask your family to sign. Drag the government to the negotiating table. We have had a fantastic response but we still need more signatures. Coronavirus Outbreaks Wellington Street Jobcentre has shut for a week as a circuit breaker because of a cluster of cases. PCS supports this decision. We are trying to ensure that this doesn’t cause a knock on effect of overloading our other Jobcentres, especially as there have been cases in other Jobcentres which have been closed to the public for deep cleaning. We are still getting reports of cases in city and county all the time. As I’m writing this I’m hearing that New Walk is closed for a second consecutive day as well and we are seeking confirmation. If accurate this could put a lot of pressure on to Charles Street. Please make sure that any cases are notified to PCS. We will help management to ensure that correct procedures are followed and that we keep members of staff and the public as safe as we can. We have been in discussions with CMG management. We believe that it is incongruous that the Jobcentre should shut but CMG remain open as there are so many common areas; staff entrance, lift, stairs, HASSRA room, canteen, etc. and some staff do move around the office such as the security guards. Both PCS and management are taking further advice from national management and health and safety experts. PCS reps continue to discuss this issue and lobby for CMG to fall in line with the Jobcentre and prevent further cases. Please be vigilant on all safety procedures and keep your reps aware of what is going on. I sincerely hope that there are no more cases in CMG. Or, indeed, anywhere else. 18:30 Finishes in Jobcentres I reported on the clarification from National management about this issue a couple of weeks ago in the Friday e-mail. See here for details. I hope that this has been resolved to members satisfaction. If there are still outstanding issues please discuss it with your line manager and if you cannot reach agreement please contact your PCS rep. Festive Leave I attached a circular last week for the festive leave position in Jobcentres. I would hope that CMG also try and maximise leave over Christmas and the New Year. If you do not think that the policy is being applied correctly please contact you rep or let us know by e-mail. People Survey PCS is encouraging members to complete the survey which is now open. Please answer honestly. See here for further details. It closes on 30 October 2020 so please do it as soon as possible. Black History Month October is Black History Month. We do, of course, work to oppose discrimination against our black members the whole year round as we do for all other members who experience oppression. But it is good to take stock, look at the history and how far we have come, and think about how far we still have to go. For more see the PCS web site here. BAME Risk Assessments Initial numbers suggest that uptake is lower than expected so far. The process is here. If you are BAME or if you manage BAME staff please read the procedure. We strongly recommend that managers encourage their BAME staff to have this risk assessment. 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. 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. The Diwali Wheel of Light opens today in Belgrave Road. I miss not have the light switch on this year and mingling with the crowds but it was correct to not hold the event. Maybe I’ll get out to have a look at the lights and have a meal on the Golden Mile very soon. Stay safe, look after yourself, and whatever you are doing make a difference. Chris Willars Branch Secretary PCS DWP Leicestershire Branch