It’s my birthday on Monday and it’s a big one. There will be no party, no meet up with friends and family, no meal in a restaurant, and no getting drunk in a pub. It won’t be too long before everyone in Leicester has had a lockdown birthday. And we have all missed anniversaries and festivals, both religious and secular. I feel for us all.
In the summer I had hoped that things would have opened up by now but that is not the case. I’m not going to critique the handling of coronavirus in the UK in this e-mail as it won’t change where we are now. I know it is correct that we still need to continue with measures to control the spread of the virus. In spite of the promising news on vaccines 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
You can still SIGN THE PCS PETITION but we have now hit our target. The government now have to debate our pay. I am under no illusions that they will change their mind without continued campaigning and pressure both in parliament and outside. As the late Bob Crow said, “If you fight, you won’t always win. If you don’t fight, you will always lose.” Let’s keep fighting.
Coronavirus Outbreaks
We are still getting regular reports of suspected and proven cases in Jobcentres and the CMG centre. Mostly the procedures work but it can sometimes be chaotic. If you are a manager please get PCS reps involved at the earliest opportunity so that we can help.
Jobcentres are open to staff again. Please keep you PCS rep informed of any suspected or proven cases and we will help to ensure that the process is followed.
We should now be only seeing vulnerable customers face to face and only then if we cannot deal with them in any other way. And remember we must be able to clean properly if the public are coming into the building. If there is no cleaner please make sure that PCS Health & Safety reps are informed immediately so we can give advice.
We succeeded in stopping a big increase in later opening in Jobcentres during the pandemic but are still arguing to stop the needless expansion of Saturday working. I understand that the start of regular Saturday working has been deferred. If that is not the case please let me know. I am expecting a circular imminently on the result of national negotiations on this issue. I’ll send it out when I receive it.
There is also new guidance from the Health & Safety Executive on ventilation and air conditioning issued as a result of union lobbying. Our H&S reps will look to see if this affects how we work in all of our sites.
If you have any concerns please get in touch with us.
We continue to meet with both CMG and Jobcentre managers on a regular basis and advocate for the safety of our members. We don’t always achieve everything that we want but we will keep on trying.
Free Flu Vaccinations
Flu is still a serious disease and flu at the same time as Covid-19 increases the effects of both. If you cannot get a free jab from the NHS all DWP staff can reclaim the cost of having one. See here for details. PCS encourages ALL members to get vaccinated.
Festive Leave
I have not received any feedback that there are problems with festive leave. If you are unhappy about the way this has been allocated please contact you rep or let us know by e-mail.
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.
Disability History Month
Disability History Month runs from 18 November to 20 December 2020. See here for the PCS view.
Green Tip of the Week
In our new regular feature our branch Green Rep, Donna Pellegrini, gives some hints and tips on green issues.
Join the Build Back Better campaign. Please see the web site for events and campaigns. This campaign is backed by PCS and we are on the steering committee.
Looking for the eco-friendliest Christmas tree option? Real Christmas trees are much more sustainable than artificial alternatives. In fact, one study concluded you'd have to use your fake fir for 20 years for it to be greener. That said, seven million real trees will be dumped in January rather than recycled.
If you buy a tree, ensure it’s been grown as locally as possible look out for the ‘Grown in Britain’ label or Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) ‘seal of approval’, both of which guarantee your tree has been grown to set environmental standards.
After Christmas, go to recyclenow to find out about drop-off points in your area, where your old tree will be recycled into chippings for local parks and woodland areas. Alternatively, take it to your local dump where you can add it to the other green waste or chop it up and stack the wood in your garden to create a habitat for birds and bugs.
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.
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.
Hannukah begins on Thursday. Chag sameach to all who are celebrating it. I’ll wander up to Victoria park to look at the menorah when some of the candles are lit.
Wednesday is international anti-corruption day. You’ll have to guess what I would like to say as I don’t want to get sacked. It wouldn’t be about anyone working in DWP in Leicestershire, though, as I love you all.
Stay safe, look after yourself, and whatever you are doing make a difference.
Chris Willars
Branch Secretary PCS DWP Leicestershire Branch
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