Jobcentre Staffing 2014/15

1. Staffing Allocations 2014-15

PCS have now received details of the staffing allocations for the current year. Contrary to reports from some Managers that the staffing situation is “comfortable” it is clear that there is a need for promotion exercises at both the HEO and EO grades in order to rebalance the grading situation. Overall we are starting the year at the levels to be achieved by March 2015 before forecasted departures.

This raises doubts about the capacity of our Jobcentre members to deliver the SR13 / Help to Work Schemes and provide assistance to other sites for Universal Credit expansion without impacting upon workloads for those remaining. The Branch believes that we need more not less staff.

2. Managed Moves

Concerns were raised by some members that the District request for “managed move” volunteers to transfer to other offices was presented in a coercive manner more akin to a threat of Compulsory Transfers. The DWP Selection Policy is clear that “managed moves are always voluntary, by agreement between managers and a member of staff”.

It has been clarified with the District Manager that the intention is to seek only genuine volunteers. However should Compulsory Transfers be under consideration at a later date then PCS will be fully consulted. The Branch Committee, at its meeting on 15^th May, restated its commitment to oppose any Compulsory Transfers.

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