European Election Candidates
Question Time Event - Stratford Town Hall
Public Meeting
Monday 1st June 6.30 pm- 9 pm
Council Chamber, Stratford Town Hall
Broadway StratfordAll welcome
• Join us to put election candidates on the spot
• Vote for quality public services and fair pay on 4 June
The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) are holding a question time event for politicians standing as candidates in the European elections which are to be held on Thursday 4 June. As trade unionists we will be asking candidates where they stand on our key issues of fair pay, job cuts, office closures and the privatisation of our public services.
If you are a trade unionist, anti-privatisation campaigner, pensioner or student, or someone concerned by these issues, you are welcome to come to this event.
In the current economic climate it is even more crucial to ensure that politicians do not take our votes for granted, but pledge to do something about improving public services, job losses, cuts and closures. Join us in putting candidates on the spot and come and hear where they stand on these important issues.
If you need any more information contact PCS London and South East MYVC campaign co-ordinators Lois or Tom on tel. 07518 379 752 or 07907 623 409 or email myvcgla@pcs.org.uk or myvclse@pcs.org.uk
www.pcs.org.uk/myvc
Friday 24 April 2009
Wednesday 22 April 2009
Mandate meeting - Wednesday 6th May 2009
To: All PCSU members in DWP East London branch
Date: 22th April 2009
Notification of branch mandating meeting
Dear Colleague
I am writing to notify you of the branch mandating meeting. This is the meeting where we instruct our delegates to group and national conference how to vote on certain issues.
All of the motions due to be discussed at Conference are held by your local rep.
The meeting will take place on:
Wednesday 6th May
in the Conference room
Stratford Benefit Delivery Centre
Farthingale Walk, Stratford E15 1AN
at 2:30
(1 hour flexi credit plus reasonable traveling time have been agreed)
Anyone wishing to submit an emergency motion please send them to me, via e-mail, as soon as you can. My e-mail address is Charles.Mcdonald@jobcentreplus.gsi.gov.uk Anyone wishing to submit an emergency motion should bring 50 copies to the meeting. Emergency motions can only be about issues that have occurred since Thursday 26th February 2009.
If you wish to attend this meeting please tell your line manager now.
Yours in solidarity
Charlie McDonald
Branch secretary
Date: 22th April 2009
Notification of branch mandating meeting
Dear Colleague
I am writing to notify you of the branch mandating meeting. This is the meeting where we instruct our delegates to group and national conference how to vote on certain issues.
All of the motions due to be discussed at Conference are held by your local rep.
The meeting will take place on:
Wednesday 6th May
in the Conference room
Stratford Benefit Delivery Centre
Farthingale Walk, Stratford E15 1AN
at 2:30
(1 hour flexi credit plus reasonable traveling time have been agreed)
Anyone wishing to submit an emergency motion please send them to me, via e-mail, as soon as you can. My e-mail address is Charles.Mcdonald@jobcentreplus.gsi.gov.uk Anyone wishing to submit an emergency motion should bring 50 copies to the meeting. Emergency motions can only be about issues that have occurred since Thursday 26th February 2009.
If you wish to attend this meeting please tell your line manager now.
Yours in solidarity
Charlie McDonald
Branch secretary
Monday 9 March 2009
Put People First - 28th March 2009
On 28th March thousands will march through London as part of a global campaign to challenge the G20, ahead of their 2nd April summit on the global financial crisis.
Even before the banking collapse, the world suffered poverty, inequality and the threat of climate chaos. The world has followed a financial model that has created an economy fuelled by ever-increasing debt, both financial and environmental.
Our future depends on creating an economy based on fair distribution of wealth, decent jobs for all and a low carbon future.
There can be no going back to business as usual.
Our message is clear. We must put people first.
LONDON MARCH ROUTE
The March will form up along Victoria Embankment from 11am on the 28th March, before setting off at noon. It will then make its way past Parliament and through the centre of London to the rally site in Hyde Park.
The nearest tube station for the march start will be Temple.
For more information visit www.putpeoplefirst.org.uk
Even before the banking collapse, the world suffered poverty, inequality and the threat of climate chaos. The world has followed a financial model that has created an economy fuelled by ever-increasing debt, both financial and environmental.
Our future depends on creating an economy based on fair distribution of wealth, decent jobs for all and a low carbon future.
There can be no going back to business as usual.
Our message is clear. We must put people first.
LONDON MARCH ROUTE
The March will form up along Victoria Embankment from 11am on the 28th March, before setting off at noon. It will then make its way past Parliament and through the centre of London to the rally site in Hyde Park.
The nearest tube station for the march start will be Temple.
For more information visit www.putpeoplefirst.org.uk
Tuesday 24 February 2009
EAST LONDON BRANCH AGM - THURSDAY 26TH FEB 09 2:30PM
Thursday 26th February
at the Davenant Centre,
179-181, Whitechapel Rd., London E1 1DN
from 2:30 to 4:00
1 and ½ hours flexi credit plus reasonable traveling time have been agreed. You are also entitled to a lunch break.
PLEASE TRY TO ATTEND.
at the Davenant Centre,
179-181, Whitechapel Rd., London E1 1DN
from 2:30 to 4:00
1 and ½ hours flexi credit plus reasonable traveling time have been agreed. You are also entitled to a lunch break.
PLEASE TRY TO ATTEND.
DWP DISABILITY SEMINAR 2009
DWP DISABILITY SEMINAR 2009
3 APRIL 2009
LEEDS
The decision was taken at Conference 2008 to hold the first ever DWP Group seminar for disabled members. The DWP Group of PCS has arranged this seminar to take place on Friday 3 April 2009 to be held at:
PCS Y&H Regional Office
Ground Floor
34 Lisbon Street
Leeds, LS1 4LX
Start 10.00 Registration
Finish 16.00
All disabled members of PCS who work in any part of the DWP are eligible to attend.
Guest Speakers
Guest Speakers will be Jane Aitchison DWP Group President and Phil Madelin PCS Equality & Health and Safety Department.
Work Shops
Workshops to cover DDA and Reasonable Adjustments and the opportunity to form networks.
Aims
The seminar provides an opportunity for discussion and debate amongst disabled members. Members will be encouraged to
become more involved in PCS and the views of the seminar will help to shape DWP Group Policy
Applications
Applications to take part in the seminar should be made on the attached form and returned by noon on 24 March 2009 to:
Yvonne Washbourne
DWP Group Equality Officer
PCS, Ground Floor
34 Lisbon Street
Leeds, LS1 4LX
At the same time Special leave applications should be applied for under The ER Framework paragraph 3.40 under the sub heading Time Off for Training. Expenses will be met by PCS.
Applications are particularly welcome from disabled members who are black minority ethnic, lesbian, bisexual or transgender as these members are under represented in PCS.
For further information ring: Yvonne Washbourne on 0121 766 4396.
Yvonne Washbourne,
DWP Group Equality Officer
Application Form
DWP GROUP DISABILITY SEMINAR 2009
Date of course 3RD APRIL 2009 Venue LEEDS
You should apply immediately to your line manager for special leave with pay.
Miss/ Mrs/ Ms (please delete as applicable)
Surname: .....................................................Forename: ...............................................................……….
Age: ....................Membership No: ..............................Department: (eg jc+) .............................................….
Address for mailing: .....................................................................................................................……….
.......................................................................................................................................................………..
Daytime telephone no: ............................................. Email: ……………………………………………..
Branch name: ..........................................................
I would like to attend this seminar because: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
......................................................................................…………………………………………………………
..................................................................................................................................................…………….
Are you a representative for PCS Yes 0 No 0
Do you consider yourself to have a disability Yes 0 No 0
Particular requirements (access, childcare etc) ……………………………………………………………………………..........................................................
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Ethnic monitoring
The union is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities. To this end we are conducting a voluntary survey of all participants in our education programme.
Black African Black Caribbean Irish UK/European Asian
Chinese Other please specify: ..................................................
Signature of applicant: ........................................................ Date: …………………………….
Return to Yvonne Washbourne, Equality Officer, PCS, Ground Floor, 34 Lisbon Street, Leeds LS1 4LX. Tel: 0121 766 4396 or 0113 200 5300 or Fax to 0113 200 5301. By no later than 12 Noon Tuesday 24 March 2009,
3 APRIL 2009
LEEDS
The decision was taken at Conference 2008 to hold the first ever DWP Group seminar for disabled members. The DWP Group of PCS has arranged this seminar to take place on Friday 3 April 2009 to be held at:
PCS Y&H Regional Office
Ground Floor
34 Lisbon Street
Leeds, LS1 4LX
Start 10.00 Registration
Finish 16.00
All disabled members of PCS who work in any part of the DWP are eligible to attend.
Guest Speakers
Guest Speakers will be Jane Aitchison DWP Group President and Phil Madelin PCS Equality & Health and Safety Department.
Work Shops
Workshops to cover DDA and Reasonable Adjustments and the opportunity to form networks.
Aims
The seminar provides an opportunity for discussion and debate amongst disabled members. Members will be encouraged to
become more involved in PCS and the views of the seminar will help to shape DWP Group Policy
Applications
Applications to take part in the seminar should be made on the attached form and returned by noon on 24 March 2009 to:
Yvonne Washbourne
DWP Group Equality Officer
PCS, Ground Floor
34 Lisbon Street
Leeds, LS1 4LX
At the same time Special leave applications should be applied for under The ER Framework paragraph 3.40 under the sub heading Time Off for Training. Expenses will be met by PCS.
Applications are particularly welcome from disabled members who are black minority ethnic, lesbian, bisexual or transgender as these members are under represented in PCS.
For further information ring: Yvonne Washbourne on 0121 766 4396.
Yvonne Washbourne,
DWP Group Equality Officer
Application Form
DWP GROUP DISABILITY SEMINAR 2009
Date of course 3RD APRIL 2009 Venue LEEDS
You should apply immediately to your line manager for special leave with pay.
Miss/ Mrs/ Ms (please delete as applicable)
Surname: .....................................................Forename: ...............................................................……….
Age: ....................Membership No: ..............................Department: (eg jc+) .............................................….
Address for mailing: .....................................................................................................................……….
.......................................................................................................................................................………..
Daytime telephone no: ............................................. Email: ……………………………………………..
Branch name: ..........................................................
I would like to attend this seminar because: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
......................................................................................…………………………………………………………
..................................................................................................................................................…………….
Are you a representative for PCS Yes 0 No 0
Do you consider yourself to have a disability Yes 0 No 0
Particular requirements (access, childcare etc) ……………………………………………………………………………..........................................................
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Ethnic monitoring
The union is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities. To this end we are conducting a voluntary survey of all participants in our education programme.
Black African Black Caribbean Irish UK/European Asian
Chinese Other please specify: ..................................................
Signature of applicant: ........................................................ Date: …………………………….
Return to Yvonne Washbourne, Equality Officer, PCS, Ground Floor, 34 Lisbon Street, Leeds LS1 4LX. Tel: 0121 766 4396 or 0113 200 5300 or Fax to 0113 200 5301. By no later than 12 Noon Tuesday 24 March 2009,
Tuesday 10 February 2009
Campaigning Alliance for Lifelong Learning - 25.02.09
Campaigning Alliance for Lifelong Learning lobby of parliament
5 February 2009
Have you ever attended adult education classes in your local area? If so, you will know what an important part they play in giving people the chance to develop their skills and in reinforcing community links - join the national lobby of parliament on 25 February to protect adult education.
In the last two years over 1.4 milllion adult learning places have been lost as the government has focused public funding towards longer courses and job related skills.
This has led to a massive drop in working people and in pensioners taking evening and day classes.
The PCS campaign to protect public services has highlighted the importance of retaining local, easily accessible services and the impact that removing them has on the community.
This is as true of adult education as it is of benefits and tax offices or coastguard stations, so at the end of last year, the PCS national executive committee agreed to affiliate to the Campaigning Alliance for Lifelong Learning (CALL).
CALL was set up by a coalition of the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE), the Workers' Educational Association (WEA) and a number of trade unions with the aim of persuading the government to restore support for adult education and acknowledge the social and community value of informal learning.
It is now supported by almost 200 organisations.
National events such as this lobby are being supplemented by local networks and activity.
If you would like to take part or get a local group going, check out the Campaigning Alliance for Lifelong Learning web site.
5 February 2009
Have you ever attended adult education classes in your local area? If so, you will know what an important part they play in giving people the chance to develop their skills and in reinforcing community links - join the national lobby of parliament on 25 February to protect adult education.
In the last two years over 1.4 milllion adult learning places have been lost as the government has focused public funding towards longer courses and job related skills.
This has led to a massive drop in working people and in pensioners taking evening and day classes.
The PCS campaign to protect public services has highlighted the importance of retaining local, easily accessible services and the impact that removing them has on the community.
This is as true of adult education as it is of benefits and tax offices or coastguard stations, so at the end of last year, the PCS national executive committee agreed to affiliate to the Campaigning Alliance for Lifelong Learning (CALL).
CALL was set up by a coalition of the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE), the Workers' Educational Association (WEA) and a number of trade unions with the aim of persuading the government to restore support for adult education and acknowledge the social and community value of informal learning.
It is now supported by almost 200 organisations.
National events such as this lobby are being supplemented by local networks and activity.
If you would like to take part or get a local group going, check out the Campaigning Alliance for Lifelong Learning web site.
Monday 19 January 2009
Application form - DWP Group Women 's seminar 09 - closing date for applications is noon 29.01.09
Application Form
DWP GROUP WOMEN’S MEMBERS SEMINAR 2009
23 February 2009
London
Date of course Venue
You should apply immediately to your line manager for special leave with pay.
Miss/ Mrs/ Ms (please delete as applicable)
Surname: .....................................................Forename: ...............................................................……….
Age: ....................Membership No: ..............................Group:(eg jc+) .............................................….
Address for mailing: .....................................................................................................................……….
.......................................................................................................................................................………..
Daytime telephone no: ............................................. Email: ……………………………………………..
Branch name: ..........................................................
Have you attended a Women’s seminar before: Yes 0 No 0
I would like to attend this seminar because:
......................................................................................…………………………………………………………
..................................................................................................................................................…………….
Are you a representative for PCS Yes 0 No 0
Special requirements (access, etc) ……………………………………………………………………………...
Conditions about which the organiser should be aware - eg disability (please specify):
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
Ethnic monitoring
The union is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities. To this end we are conducting a voluntary survey of all participants in our education programme.
Black African 0 Black Caribbean 0 Irish 0 UK/European 0 Asian 0
Chinese 0 Other 0 please specify: ..................................................
Signature of applicant: ........................................................ Date: …………………………….
Return to Yvonne Washbourne, Equality Officer, PCS, Ground Floor, 34 Lisbon Street, Leeds LS1 4LX. Tel: 0121 766 4396 or 0113 200 5300 or Fax to 0113 200 5301. By no later than 12 Noon Thursday 29 January 2009,
DWP GROUP WOMEN’S MEMBERS SEMINAR 2009
23 February 2009
London
Date of course Venue
You should apply immediately to your line manager for special leave with pay.
Miss/ Mrs/ Ms (please delete as applicable)
Surname: .....................................................Forename: ...............................................................……….
Age: ....................Membership No: ..............................Group:(eg jc+) .............................................….
Address for mailing: .....................................................................................................................……….
.......................................................................................................................................................………..
Daytime telephone no: ............................................. Email: ……………………………………………..
Branch name: ..........................................................
Have you attended a Women’s seminar before: Yes 0 No 0
I would like to attend this seminar because:
......................................................................................…………………………………………………………
..................................................................................................................................................…………….
Are you a representative for PCS Yes 0 No 0
Special requirements (access, etc) ……………………………………………………………………………...
Conditions about which the organiser should be aware - eg disability (please specify):
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………...
Ethnic monitoring
The union is committed to the promotion of equal opportunities. To this end we are conducting a voluntary survey of all participants in our education programme.
Black African 0 Black Caribbean 0 Irish 0 UK/European 0 Asian 0
Chinese 0 Other 0 please specify: ..................................................
Signature of applicant: ........................................................ Date: …………………………….
Return to Yvonne Washbourne, Equality Officer, PCS, Ground Floor, 34 Lisbon Street, Leeds LS1 4LX. Tel: 0121 766 4396 or 0113 200 5300 or Fax to 0113 200 5301. By no later than 12 Noon Thursday 29 January 2009,
DWP WOMEN'S SEMINAR 2009
DWP WOMEN’S SEMINAR 2009
ORGANISING FOR WOMEN
23 February 2009
London
The DWP Group of PCS has arranged a women’s seminar to take place on Monday 23 February 2009 for women in the London, South East and Eastern regions to be held in London at:
PCS HQ
160 Falcon Road
London
SW11 2LN
All women members based in London, South East or Eastern regions who work in the DWP are eligible to attend.
Special leave applications should be applied under The ER Framework paragraph 3.40 under the sub heading Time Off for Training. Expenses will be met by PCS.
The theme of the seminar is “Organising for Women” and sessions will include:
Organising
Changing policy
Charter for Women
Confidence building
Aims
The seminar provides an opportunity for discussion and debate amongst women members. Members are encouraged to become more involved in PCS and the views of the seminar help to shape DWP Group Policy
Applications
Applications to take part in the seminar should be made on the attached form and returned by noon on 29 January 2009 to:
Yvonne Washbourne
DWP Group Equality Officer
PCS, Ground Floor
34 Lisbon Street
Leeds, LS1 4LX
Applications are welcome from women members who are black minority ethnic, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, disabled or women members from the London, South East or Eastern regions only.
For further information ring: Yvonne Washbourne on 0121 766 4396.
Yvonne Washbourne
DWP Group Equality Officer
ORGANISING FOR WOMEN
23 February 2009
London
The DWP Group of PCS has arranged a women’s seminar to take place on Monday 23 February 2009 for women in the London, South East and Eastern regions to be held in London at:
PCS HQ
160 Falcon Road
London
SW11 2LN
All women members based in London, South East or Eastern regions who work in the DWP are eligible to attend.
Special leave applications should be applied under The ER Framework paragraph 3.40 under the sub heading Time Off for Training. Expenses will be met by PCS.
The theme of the seminar is “Organising for Women” and sessions will include:
Organising
Changing policy
Charter for Women
Confidence building
Aims
The seminar provides an opportunity for discussion and debate amongst women members. Members are encouraged to become more involved in PCS and the views of the seminar help to shape DWP Group Policy
Applications
Applications to take part in the seminar should be made on the attached form and returned by noon on 29 January 2009 to:
Yvonne Washbourne
DWP Group Equality Officer
PCS, Ground Floor
34 Lisbon Street
Leeds, LS1 4LX
Applications are welcome from women members who are black minority ethnic, lesbian, bisexual or transgender, disabled or women members from the London, South East or Eastern regions only.
For further information ring: Yvonne Washbourne on 0121 766 4396.
Yvonne Washbourne
DWP Group Equality Officer
Tuesday 13 January 2009
Notification of Branch Annual General Meeting for East London Branch
Happy New Year to you all and welcome back to those of you that were on leave.
Dear Colleagues
I am writing to notify you of the branch Annual General Meeting.
The meeting will take place on:
Thursday 26th February
at the Davenant Centre,
179-181, Whitechapel Rd., London E1 1DN
Guest Speaker – John McDonnell MP - invited
from 2:30 to 4:00
1 and ½ hours flexi credit plus reasonable traveling time have been agreed. You are also entitled to a lunch break.
Nominations are sought for the following positions:
Branch
· Branch secretary
· Branch chair
· Branch assistant secretary
· Branch vice chair
· Branch Organiser
· Branch treasurer
· Branch equalities officer
· Branch health and safety officer
· Branch young members officer (must be aged 27 or below)
· Branch Union Learning Rep
· Branch auditors (these must not be Branch Executive Committee members) (2)
· Delegate to the London Regional Committee
· Delegates to Conference (4)
· Trainee delegate
DWP Group
· President
· Vice Presidents (5)
· Assistant Secretaries (7)
· Treasurer
· Organiser
· Group Journal Editor
· Group Executive Committee (21)
· Standing Orders Committee (1)
· Scrutineers (4)
· Womens committee (14)
· Black members committee (7)
· Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender committee (10)
· Equality committee (14)
· Editorial committee (3)
· Young members committee (14)
National
· President
· Deputy and Vice Presidents (4)
· National Executive Committee members (30)
· National Appeals committee (9)
· National standing orders committee (4)
· Editorial Board (5)
· Trades Union Congress (TUC) delegation (14, target 8 women)
· Women’s TUC delegation (8, all must be women)
· Youth TUC delegation (3, target 2 women)
· Scottish TUC (STUC) delegation (9, target 4 women)
· Women’s STUC delegation (5, all must be women)
· Youth STUC delegation (3, target 1 woman)
· Welsh TUC delegation (6, target 2 women)
· Women’s Welsh TUC delegation (2 both must be women)
. Deputy General Secretay
. Assistant General Secretary
Motions for the branch, DWP Group Conference and National Conference are invited. If you have an issue you think the Union should be doing something about, anything from strike pay to social housing, please submit a motion. If you want help with drafting a motion speak to your local rep. Any motions and/or nominations must be received by Charlie McDonald, Hackney BDC by 10:00 Friday 13th February. E-mails are acceptable.
If you would like to attend the meeting please speak to your line manager immediately, or you could use the tear-off below.
Yours fraternally
Charlie McDonald
Branch secretary
020 8533 8718
To: ………………………………………………………………………..………………………(Line manager)
From: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
I would like to attend the PCS DWP East London branch annual general meeting which will be held on the afternoon of Thursday 26 February at 2:30 at the Davenant centre, Whitechapel Rd. I understand that one and a half hours flexi credit plus reasonable traveling time is available. Please confirm in writing that this is authorised.
Dear Colleagues
I am writing to notify you of the branch Annual General Meeting.
The meeting will take place on:
Thursday 26th February
at the Davenant Centre,
179-181, Whitechapel Rd., London E1 1DN
Guest Speaker – John McDonnell MP - invited
from 2:30 to 4:00
1 and ½ hours flexi credit plus reasonable traveling time have been agreed. You are also entitled to a lunch break.
Nominations are sought for the following positions:
Branch
· Branch secretary
· Branch chair
· Branch assistant secretary
· Branch vice chair
· Branch Organiser
· Branch treasurer
· Branch equalities officer
· Branch health and safety officer
· Branch young members officer (must be aged 27 or below)
· Branch Union Learning Rep
· Branch auditors (these must not be Branch Executive Committee members) (2)
· Delegate to the London Regional Committee
· Delegates to Conference (4)
· Trainee delegate
DWP Group
· President
· Vice Presidents (5)
· Assistant Secretaries (7)
· Treasurer
· Organiser
· Group Journal Editor
· Group Executive Committee (21)
· Standing Orders Committee (1)
· Scrutineers (4)
· Womens committee (14)
· Black members committee (7)
· Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender committee (10)
· Equality committee (14)
· Editorial committee (3)
· Young members committee (14)
National
· President
· Deputy and Vice Presidents (4)
· National Executive Committee members (30)
· National Appeals committee (9)
· National standing orders committee (4)
· Editorial Board (5)
· Trades Union Congress (TUC) delegation (14, target 8 women)
· Women’s TUC delegation (8, all must be women)
· Youth TUC delegation (3, target 2 women)
· Scottish TUC (STUC) delegation (9, target 4 women)
· Women’s STUC delegation (5, all must be women)
· Youth STUC delegation (3, target 1 woman)
· Welsh TUC delegation (6, target 2 women)
· Women’s Welsh TUC delegation (2 both must be women)
. Deputy General Secretay
. Assistant General Secretary
Motions for the branch, DWP Group Conference and National Conference are invited. If you have an issue you think the Union should be doing something about, anything from strike pay to social housing, please submit a motion. If you want help with drafting a motion speak to your local rep. Any motions and/or nominations must be received by Charlie McDonald, Hackney BDC by 10:00 Friday 13th February. E-mails are acceptable.
If you would like to attend the meeting please speak to your line manager immediately, or you could use the tear-off below.
Yours fraternally
Charlie McDonald
Branch secretary
020 8533 8718
To: ………………………………………………………………………..………………………(Line manager)
From: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
I would like to attend the PCS DWP East London branch annual general meeting which will be held on the afternoon of Thursday 26 February at 2:30 at the Davenant centre, Whitechapel Rd. I understand that one and a half hours flexi credit plus reasonable traveling time is available. Please confirm in writing that this is authorised.
Monday 24 November 2008
Flexible Working Hours and the Law
Section 47 of the Employment Act 2002 amended the Employment Rights Act 1996 in relation to applications to work flexibly. An application to work flexibly can be increasing or decreasing the amount of hours you work or the weeks you work or where you work.
Qualifying conditions
In order to be entitled to make an application the member of staff has to have a child under 6 or, if the child is disabled, under 18. The child is legally defined as disabled for the purposes of this legislation if they are in receipt of Disability Living Allowance.
Making an application
The act specifies how an application must be made. The application must state:
That it is an application to work flexibly under section 80F of the Employment Rights Act 1996;
specify the change applied for and the date on which it is proposed the change should become effective;
explain what effect, if any, the employee thinks making the change applied for would have on his employer and how, in his opinion, any such effect might be dealt with, and
explain how the employee meets, in respect of the child concerned, the conditions (see qualifyiong conditions above).
Applications must be made at least 14 days before the child’s sixth or eighteenth birthday, if disabled.
You are only permitted to make one application every year.
Employers responsibilities
Employers must arrange a meeting to discuss the application within 28 days of receiving the application. They then have 14 days from the meeting to notify the decision. The application can only be refused if one or more of the following apply:
· the burden of additional costs,
· detrimental effect on ability to meet customer demand,
inability to re-organise work among existing staff,
inability to recruit additional staff,
detrimental impact on quality,
detrimental impact on performance,
insufficiency of work during the periods the employee proposes to work,
planned structural changes, and
such other grounds as the Secretary of State may specify by regulations.
Unsuccessful applications
Remember the law only gives employees the right to ask for flexible working, not the right to receive it. If, however, an unsuccessfukl application is made you have the right to appeal against it. Appeals have to be made within 14 days of receiving a negative decision, setting out the grounds for appeal. Once this is received employers have 14 days to organise a meeting. Once the meeting is held to discuss the appeal employers have 14 days to issue a decision. Decisions on appeals that are unsuccessful have to include the employers reasons and a sufficient explanation as to why the appeal was unsuccessful.
Unsuccessful applications are challengable at Employment Tribunals.
Qualifying conditions
In order to be entitled to make an application the member of staff has to have a child under 6 or, if the child is disabled, under 18. The child is legally defined as disabled for the purposes of this legislation if they are in receipt of Disability Living Allowance.
Making an application
The act specifies how an application must be made. The application must state:
That it is an application to work flexibly under section 80F of the Employment Rights Act 1996;
specify the change applied for and the date on which it is proposed the change should become effective;
explain what effect, if any, the employee thinks making the change applied for would have on his employer and how, in his opinion, any such effect might be dealt with, and
explain how the employee meets, in respect of the child concerned, the conditions (see qualifyiong conditions above).
Applications must be made at least 14 days before the child’s sixth or eighteenth birthday, if disabled.
You are only permitted to make one application every year.
Employers responsibilities
Employers must arrange a meeting to discuss the application within 28 days of receiving the application. They then have 14 days from the meeting to notify the decision. The application can only be refused if one or more of the following apply:
· the burden of additional costs,
· detrimental effect on ability to meet customer demand,
inability to re-organise work among existing staff,
inability to recruit additional staff,
detrimental impact on quality,
detrimental impact on performance,
insufficiency of work during the periods the employee proposes to work,
planned structural changes, and
such other grounds as the Secretary of State may specify by regulations.
Unsuccessful applications
Remember the law only gives employees the right to ask for flexible working, not the right to receive it. If, however, an unsuccessfukl application is made you have the right to appeal against it. Appeals have to be made within 14 days of receiving a negative decision, setting out the grounds for appeal. Once this is received employers have 14 days to organise a meeting. Once the meeting is held to discuss the appeal employers have 14 days to issue a decision. Decisions on appeals that are unsuccessful have to include the employers reasons and a sufficient explanation as to why the appeal was unsuccessful.
Unsuccessful applications are challengable at Employment Tribunals.
Monday 17 November 2008
Thank You from Tony Reay
13th November 2008
To Everyone at City JCP & Hackney BDC
PCS DWP East London Branch
Dear all,
Thank you
I am writing to thank you all for the generous collections, cards and gifts that were made to mark my departure from City JCP and PCS DWP East London Branch. After working in East London since January 1989, seeing countless changes in the organization we all work in, it is easy to forget just how many people have come and gone, changed offices or jobs and have come into contact with me during that time.
I am extremely grateful to all the people who have supported and helped me during my time in East London, especially those whose resilience is sustained by their sense of humour. I will miss the familiarity and welcome I received in all offices in the branch, though I will not miss the daily grind on the DLR to actually get there!
I am confident the next 17 years in South London (starting on NJI at Deptford) will be as challenging and enjoyable as the last 19 in East London and would urge everyone to get involved in and support the PCS Union both now and in the future.
See you soon
Yours fraternally,
Tony Reay
To Everyone at City JCP & Hackney BDC
PCS DWP East London Branch
Dear all,
Thank you
I am writing to thank you all for the generous collections, cards and gifts that were made to mark my departure from City JCP and PCS DWP East London Branch. After working in East London since January 1989, seeing countless changes in the organization we all work in, it is easy to forget just how many people have come and gone, changed offices or jobs and have come into contact with me during that time.
I am extremely grateful to all the people who have supported and helped me during my time in East London, especially those whose resilience is sustained by their sense of humour. I will miss the familiarity and welcome I received in all offices in the branch, though I will not miss the daily grind on the DLR to actually get there!
I am confident the next 17 years in South London (starting on NJI at Deptford) will be as challenging and enjoyable as the last 19 in East London and would urge everyone to get involved in and support the PCS Union both now and in the future.
See you soon
Yours fraternally,
Tony Reay
Wednesday 22 October 2008
Ears and Eyes Campaign - 2008
Dear PCS members,
We want all PCS members in London to participate in our 'Eyes and Ears campaign' for European Health and Safety week. If you have not had eyesight and hearing tests recently, we are encouraging you to undergo these tests now.
Free Eye and Eyesight Test
Please see the link below if you havent already booked a free eye test.
http://intralink/1/corp/sites/hr/lifeevents/health/eyecare/DWP_m263471.asp
You are entitled to a test at least every two years.The test is a full eye and eyesight test. Thus it may reveal issues with your eyes that you were not aware of. The link above provides details of the policy and another link where you can start the process of getting an eye test.
Eyecare policy states 'Your line manager will allow you reasonable time off to attend a Network Optician. If you have additional travel
expenses whilst attending a Network Optician, you should claim these locally, following the DWP Expenses Guide'.
Hearing Check
For a hearing test ring the number below. Remember to test both ears!
The RNID and the TUC have jointly introduced a free hearing check that can be done over the telephone and takes about five minutes. It is a local rate number. The call needs to be made from a quiet location (so no calls from the front line please) and not from a mobile.
Please see the link below for details. It also contains a question and answer section.
<http://www.breakingthesoundbarrier.org.uk/home/>
About the campaign
Around 4 million of us in the UK are losing our hearing and not doing anything about it.
Could you be one of these 4 million? Do you know someone else who might be?
If you are concerned that you, or someone you know, might be losing their hearing, why not take our sound check and find out for certain?
Call 0845 600 5555
The whole check will take you less than five minutes. That's less than five minutes to change your life. Even better, you can take the test in the comfort of your own home.
Here for you
This site will give you all the information you need about the sound check , and about the solutions that are available if you find out you are hard of hearing. You can read other people's stories , find out more about different types of hearing loss and learn what you can do about any hearing loss you may have .
We want all PCS members in London to participate in our 'Eyes and Ears campaign' for European Health and Safety week. If you have not had eyesight and hearing tests recently, we are encouraging you to undergo these tests now.
Free Eye and Eyesight Test
Please see the link below if you havent already booked a free eye test.
http://intralink/1/corp/sites/hr/lifeevents/health/eyecare/DWP_m263471.asp
You are entitled to a test at least every two years.The test is a full eye and eyesight test. Thus it may reveal issues with your eyes that you were not aware of. The link above provides details of the policy and another link where you can start the process of getting an eye test.
Eyecare policy states 'Your line manager will allow you reasonable time off to attend a Network Optician. If you have additional travel
expenses whilst attending a Network Optician, you should claim these locally, following the DWP Expenses Guide'.
Hearing Check
For a hearing test ring the number below. Remember to test both ears!
The RNID and the TUC have jointly introduced a free hearing check that can be done over the telephone and takes about five minutes. It is a local rate number. The call needs to be made from a quiet location (so no calls from the front line please) and not from a mobile.
Please see the link below for details. It also contains a question and answer section.
<http://www.breakingthesoundbarrier.org.uk/home/>
About the campaign
Around 4 million of us in the UK are losing our hearing and not doing anything about it.
Could you be one of these 4 million? Do you know someone else who might be?
If you are concerned that you, or someone you know, might be losing their hearing, why not take our sound check and find out for certain?
Call 0845 600 5555
The whole check will take you less than five minutes. That's less than five minutes to change your life. Even better, you can take the test in the comfort of your own home.
Here for you
This site will give you all the information you need about the sound check , and about the solutions that are available if you find out you are hard of hearing. You can read other people's stories , find out more about different types of hearing loss and learn what you can do about any hearing loss you may have .
Letter from Tony Reay
Dear all,
I have today been informed that my last day in City JCP will be 22/10/08 as I start adviser training on 23/10/08. Then after a week's annual leave I will start at Deptford JCP on Monday 03/11/08. From this date, I will be undertaking adviser training and then work for three days a week and Regional PCS work for two days a week, so will be managing my diary carefully!
Can I please request that anyone who has be on their distribution lists, remove my work email and use my home email at Tony.Reay@hotmail.co.uk in order to avoid my work mail box filling up. I will be spending Wednesday clearing what I can for East London Branch, handing over some cases/work, but will probably have to retain some others.
I would have appreciated a bit more time to compose a suitable leaving message, but it's probably a blessing in disguise that I have not! It would be unfair of me to single any rep I have worked with during nearly 20 years in East London for particular praise, as everyone I have worked with deserves credit for their contribution to the trade union movement and making PCS DWP East London Branch the envy of the rest of the union!
In solidarity
Tony Reay
PCS Union
Latest responses :
HI MARJ, HOPE YOU ARE O.K. - AM SORRY TO SEE TONY MOVE. HOWEVER AM SURE HE WILL BE A SUCCESS OVER IN DEPTFORD.
B.RGDS
ALAN
Dear PCSU Member,
Many of you will know our Vice Chair Tony Reay who is based at City JCP. Tony is leaving City office and the East London Branch on 23 October after 19 years to take up at post at Deptford JCP.
I am sure that members will join me in thanking him for the hard work and sheer dedication that he has given to our branch during this time, particularly in the field of campaign and personal case work.
His catch phrase " got a job, got an office" is legendary. How we will miss that dry wit !!!!
On behalf of the branch we wish Tony Good luck and Best wishes for the future.
Sue Catten
PCSU EAST LONDON BRANCH CHAIR
Stratford BDC
Defending Jobs Services and Conditions
I have today been informed that my last day in City JCP will be 22/10/08 as I start adviser training on 23/10/08. Then after a week's annual leave I will start at Deptford JCP on Monday 03/11/08. From this date, I will be undertaking adviser training and then work for three days a week and Regional PCS work for two days a week, so will be managing my diary carefully!
Can I please request that anyone who has be on their distribution lists, remove my work email and use my home email at Tony.Reay@hotmail.co.uk in order to avoid my work mail box filling up. I will be spending Wednesday clearing what I can for East London Branch, handing over some cases/work, but will probably have to retain some others.
I would have appreciated a bit more time to compose a suitable leaving message, but it's probably a blessing in disguise that I have not! It would be unfair of me to single any rep I have worked with during nearly 20 years in East London for particular praise, as everyone I have worked with deserves credit for their contribution to the trade union movement and making PCS DWP East London Branch the envy of the rest of the union!
In solidarity
Tony Reay
PCS Union
Latest responses :
HI MARJ, HOPE YOU ARE O.K. - AM SORRY TO SEE TONY MOVE. HOWEVER AM SURE HE WILL BE A SUCCESS OVER IN DEPTFORD.
B.RGDS
ALAN
Dear PCSU Member,
Many of you will know our Vice Chair Tony Reay who is based at City JCP. Tony is leaving City office and the East London Branch on 23 October after 19 years to take up at post at Deptford JCP.
I am sure that members will join me in thanking him for the hard work and sheer dedication that he has given to our branch during this time, particularly in the field of campaign and personal case work.
His catch phrase " got a job, got an office" is legendary. How we will miss that dry wit !!!!
On behalf of the branch we wish Tony Good luck and Best wishes for the future.
Sue Catten
PCSU EAST LONDON BRANCH CHAIR
Stratford BDC
Defending Jobs Services and Conditions
Thursday 9 October 2008
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