Tuesday 28 January 2014

Make the switch to direct debit today



Make the switch now to direct debit

We are asking all members to do something very simple but very important – switch payment of your subs to direct debit.
It only takes a few minutes to switch but means if your employer imposes any changes to how your subs are collected, you will remain protected by your union's membership.
We won’t process your direct debit form unless your employer stops deducting your union subscriptions, so there’s no danger of you paying twice.
The Cabinet Office has written to each government department, stating that 'check-off' the decades-old practice of collecting your monthly union subs directly from your salary is “undesirable” and asking each department to review check-off. 

Switching is easy

There are various ways you can make the switch:
The Direct Debit Guarantee is offered by all banks and building societies that accept instructions to pay direct debits. If there are any changes to the amount, or frequency of your direct debit PCS will notify you at least 14 working days. 

Check your rate

Please check the table below for the subs rate that we will apply depending on your salary.
Band  Salary         Direct Debit subscription rate (£)
       £26,001+                  13.31
       £24,001 – £26,000   12.63
       £22,001 – £24,000   11.62
       £20,001 – £22,000   10.61
       £18,001 – £20,000    9.56
       £16,001 – £18,000    8.59
       £14,001 – £16,000    7.58
       £12,001 – £14,000    6.57
       £10,001 – £12,000    5.56
       £8,001 – £10,000      4.55
       £6,001 – £8,000        3.54
       £4,001 – £6,000        2.53
       £2,001 – £4,000        1.52
      Less than £2,000       1.01



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Thursday 16 January 2014

Notice of the Branch Annual General Meeting (AGM)



Notice of the Branch Annual General Meeting (AGM)


Date:         Wednesday 26th February 2014: 14:00-15:30

Venue: The Orwell, Wigan Pier, Wigan .

       
All members are entitled to attend and you should apply for time off through your Line Manager. Any member refused time off should speak to a rep immediately. All members are entitled to a 1.5 hour flexi-credit for attendance + reasonable travel time to and from the meeting.

           

  • Buffet and refreshments are available from 13:30.

  • Additional travelling expenses and childcare costs may be claimed from the Branch. Transport can be arranged if required

  • The venue is fully accessible for members with disabilities. If you require any additional adjustments, including seating or dietary needs please inform your local rep.

  • Anyone needing directions should contact their local rep.
___________________________________________________________

 

The AGM is your opportunity to make decisions on future Union policies and is also an opportunity to hold the Union leadership to account for their actions over the last year. Please make every effort to attend to ensure your voice is heard.

The closing date for motions and nominations is  Wednesday 29th January 2014. Nominations or Motions received after this time will not be accepted. Motions and nominations must include the names of the proposer and seconder, and may be sent by post or courier to Simon Dalfen, Branch Secretary, PCS , Griffin House, Bryn Road, Wigan WN4 8SS or by email to MAKERFIELD.-PCS@DWP.GSI.GOV.UK .


 Motions


Motions in the following categories may be submitted:

1.      Branch Motions (to agree branch policy for the coming year)
2.      Group Motions (to be submitted to 2014 PCS DWP Group Conference)
3.      National Motions (to be submitted to 2014 PCS National Conference)

(Any member requiring advice on the correct wording of motions should contact Chris Holmes, Branch Chair)

Nominations


Nominations are required for the following posts; anyone requiring further information about any of the roles should contact Chris Holmes, or their local representative.


Wigan Area Branch (Number of posts available are in brackets)


Branch Chair (1)

Branch Vice- Chair (1)                                
Branch Secretary (1)
Branch Assistant Secretary based at  Makerfield (1)
Branch Assistant Secretary not based at Makerfield (1)
Branch Organiser (1)
Branch Treasurer (1)
Branch Union Learning (1)
Branch Women’s Officer (1)
Branch Health & Safety Officer (1)
Branch Equality Officer (1)
Branch Young Members Officer (1)


Delegates to PCS DWP Group Conference 2014 (3) [19th to 20th May]
Trainee Delegate(s) to DWP Group Conference 2014 [19th to 20th May]
Delegates to PCS National Conference 2014 (3) [20th to 22nd May]
Trainee Delegate(s) to PCS National Conference 2014 [20th to 22nd May]

Branch Auditors (2)



DWP Group Executive Committee (GEC)

President (1)
Vice-President (4)
Assistant Secretary  (7)
Treasurer (1)
Organiser (1)
Journal Editor (1)                                         
Group Executive Committee Member (17)

Standing Orders Committee (1)
Scrutineers (4)                                              
Group Editorial Committee  (3)
Group Women’s Advisory Committee (12)
Group Black Members Advisory Committee (6)
Group Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Advisory Committee (12)
Group Equality Advisory Committee (12)
Group Young Members Advisory Committee (14)


National Executive Committee (NEC)

President (1)
Deputy President / Vice-President (4)
National Executive Committee Member (30)
Member Trustees (1)
Editorial Board (5)

TUC (14)
Women’s TUC (8)
Scottish TUC (9)
Wales TUC (6)
Scottish Women’s TUC (5)
Wales Women’s TUC (2)
Youth TUC (3)
Scottish Youth TUC (3)
National Appeals Committee (9)
National Standing Orders Committee (3)


………………………………………………………………………………………………………….


A full agenda for the AGM including the Annual Report for 2013 will be issued on 30th January 2014 .

Details of site AGMs will also be issued on this date .


Simon Dalfen : Branch Secretary                Chris Holmes : Branch Chair






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Wednesday 1 January 2014

bedroom tax on sensory room for severely disabled daughter

Dawn Lennon said she was now facing having to cut back on food in order to remain in her home.
A Merseyside woman must pay the bedroom tax on a room which has been converted into a sensory area for her severely disabled daughter.
Dawn Lennon faces finding more than £570 a year because the government has deemed the room to be spare.
But she said the room was vital for the care of Kelly Marie, 28, who is blind and unable to walk and talk.
It contains a ball pool and is also used to store Kelly Marie’s wheelchairs.
Mrs Lennon said she was now facing having to cut back on food in order to remain in her Liverpool Housing Trust bungalow.
Although she has been awarded a discretionary housing payment that should cover the shortfall for the start of the year, the future is uncertain.