It's that strange period between Christmas and the new year when no one knows what day it is. At least I hope it is. I’m hoping that 2021 is far better than 2020 but any change won’t be sudden.
We now have a trade deal with the EU but it’s not a big step up from no deal. We have got approval for another vaccine but we won’t have immunity until the summer. And we have not seen the last of lockdowns with Leicester and Leicestershire now in Tier 4. Happy new year.
Here is the latest news.
Pay
Pay will be a major campaign of 2021. PCS and other unions representing key workers in the public and private sector will fight against a pay freeze.
I’ll update you with our next steps as the campaign develops.
Coronavirus Outbreaks
We are still getting regular reports of suspected and proven cases in Jobcentres and the CMG centre.
Jobcentres are open to staff. Please keep your 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 sent out the PCS circulars about Saturday opening in a previous e-mail. If you do not feel that your circumstances have been fully taken into account please have a discussion with your line manager. If you cannot resolve the issue please have a chat with a PCS rep.
If you have any concerns about any of the issues above, or anything else, 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.
Flexi Credit for Office Based Workers
The one hour a week flexi credit for office based workers has been extended to April. Please make sure that you claim it if you are entitled. The expenses for homeworkers is still available as well. Please make sure that you claim it if you are entitled.
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 unless you have had medical advice not to.
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.
Green Tip of the Week
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.
I hope you will get the chance to have some rest over the festive period, and able to switch off from the computer for a bit. However, if you do get the urge to pick up your digital quills, then please take a moment (or few) to complete this important survey on homeworking and health & safety.
This is being led by Phil Taylor, Prof. of Work & Employment (University of Strathclyde) who is trying to collect some hard data on the impacts of homeworking from a health and safety perspective. Whilst it doesn't cover sustainability issues, given the narrative that homeworking will be better for the environment, as always in our sustainability and climate work, we have to understand the impacts of all policies.
Toilet flushing accounts for one-third of the 135 litres (30 gallons) of water used in UK households on a daily basis. An old-style loo can consume 14 litres (three gallons) in a single flush, but there are some simple and inexpensive measures that save water.
Filling a plastic bottle and placing it in the cistern reduces water usage per flush by up to three litres (five pints), according to The Greenage (www.thegreenage.co.uk). Alternatively, participating water companies offer free displacement devices that can potentially save up to 12,000 litres (2,640 gallons) per year.
Annual General Meeting
Our AGM will be on Teams this year. We will hold it on Tuesday 23 February 2021 starting at 13:30. Watch out for details in the new year. And please consider becoming a site rep, health and safety rep, union learning rep, or an advocate.
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.
Whichever side of the new year you are reading this I hope you have a good 2021.
Please stay home and please stay safe, look after yourself, your family, your friends, and your colleagues, and whatever you are doing make a difference.
Happy New Year!
Chris Willars
Branch Secretary PCS DWP Leicestershire Branch
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