Forestry Commission Trade Unions - www.fctu.org.uk
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Response to the Letter to the Prime Minister - from Jim Paice MP 3rd June 2011
Following the letter sent to the Prime Minister on 8th February, giving him the opportunity to apologise for comments made in the House of Commons earlier this year, we have recieved a response from the DEFRA Minister, whom our letter was passed to. This can be viewed here, although it was clearly not the apology that our members were looking for.
Further Request to Halt SR10 Implementation 27th May 2011
Allan MacKenzie, on behalf of the FCTU has written to the Director General, reqesting that he reconsiders the timing and the implementation of these cuts once again. Click here to view.
Shared Services & GB Core Proposals UPDATED 24th May 2011
It is still not clear when the FC will be in a position to issue the SR10 Silvan House Proposals resulting from the Westminster budget cuts. As there is likely to be significant interest in the Voluntary Early Retirement scheme to be launched in June, we are concerned that many members will be unable to make informed decisions about their future...
Response to 'Shaping the Future of FC England' UPDATED 23rd May 2011
Today the Director General wrote to all staff on the "way forward to 2015".
The Forestry Commission in England is now faced with dealing with the reality of meeting the 25% reduction in funding and it can only do this by:
- Changing what the Forestry Commission delivers,
- Changing how it delivers it and
- Ensuring that it meets Government objectives.
The Forestry Commission has said that it needs significant reform because it cannot meet the necessary cuts whilst at the same time remain fit for purpose...
Our Response to SR10 (Eng) 1st April 2011
We have now submitted our response to SR10. This can be viewed here, along with the invididual responses from PCS, Prospect and from each of the union meetings across England.
The FCTU are grateful for the opportunity to respond to this consultation, and for the four week extension to the deadline. We however believe that the FC and our Minister have not considered the wider impact of these proposals...
FCTU Request to Postpone SR10 Proposals 24th March 2011
The FCTU formally requested via a letter to the Director General on 15th March that all SR10 changes within the FC and proposals being undertaken in the Business Units all cease until such a time when we can clearly see what the FC will be delivering into the future. The unions understand the pressure being placed upon the FC at this time and the need to meet the fiscal necessities of SR10 but are very alarmed at the pace and scale of the proposed changes imposed on our members...
SR10 Union Meetings in England UPDATED 17th March 2011
The series of union meetings to discuss SR10 in England are now coming together and a list of meetings arranged or being arranged can be viewed here. If you are unable to attend any of the meetings or wish to respond separately please feel free to do so directly to your respective union representative or contact the FCTU Office.
Shared Services & GB Core Consultation Postponed 3rd March 2011
Colleagues in Shared Services were today made aware from Director HR that the consultation on proposals have had to be put back due to proposals requiring submission to Ministers. The intention is now to launch the consultation sometime in the week commencing 21 March. Director HR's letter to staff.
SR10 Consultation - Request for Extension 25th February 2011 UPDATED
The FCTU are pleased that management have agreed to the consultation period being extended to 1st April. Whilst it prolongs the period of uncertainty, we all recognise that we need time to make constructive feedback that draws upon as much relevant information as possible during these uncertain times.
UKFPA Back Forestry Commission - Letter to PM 23rd February 2011
The UK Forest Products Association have informed us that they are very pleased and relieved to learn of the Government’s decision to abandon its plans to change the ownership and management of the public forest estate in England.
Executive Director David Sulman has too written a letter to the Prime Minister following his "unforgivable" comments about the Forestry Commission during Prime Minister’s questions on 2nd February. David has said with FC staff now facing uncertain futures, the Prime Minister’s comments were "completely unnecessary and uncalled for".
This letter can be viewed here.
SR10 Consultation - Request For Extension 21st February 2011
FC staff are being invited to take part in a staff consultation, probably the most important consultation to take place within the FC’s history. Allan MacKenzie and Robert Beaney have attended all of the staff consultation meetings and there has been one overriding theme to emerge - colleagues have real prime concerns at the lack of a clear proposal of areas of the Forestry Commission to be impacted upon and the lack of adequate time available for them to be able to form a reasoned opinion and make an assessment...
Government U-Turn on Forestry Proposals UPDATED 17th February 2011
The government have announced that they are dropping the bulk of their plans for a 100% disposal of the public forest estate. The public consultation has been withdrawn and the clauses in the Public Bodies Bill which would have enabled a full disposal of the PFE will be removed.
The FCTU congratulate and thank union activists, local and national groups and most of all the public on their inspirational campaign to bring about this tremendous result.
The fight is far from over however...
FCTU Letter to Prime Minister 8th February 2011
The FCTU were astounded and incensed by the Prime Ministers comments in the house last Wednesday. On a day when proposals to cut a vast number of jobs in the Forestry Commission were announced, David Cameron voiced his belief that woodlands across England would be better managed by others shows complete contempt for FC staff. Robert Beaney, FCTU Chair has written to the PM and this letter can be viewed here.
The professionalism, expertise and commitment that staff in the FC have consistently shown in managing a large and diverse public forest estate is widely recognised by the public. ‘Big Society’ has already spoken...
Consultation on the Public Forest Estate in England 27th January 2011
The Government today published its consultation document on the future of the public forest estate in England and the criteria for the sale of Forestry Commission land in 2011/2012...
Joint Unions Rally to Oppose Public Bodies Bill 24th January 2011
A rally is being organised to being organised to protest against the Public Bodies Bill, the enabling legislation behind the government proposals to sell off public forests...
Civil Service Compensation Scheme 22nd December 2010
The Superannuation Act 2010, introduced in the House of Commons on 15 July 2010 was passed into law on 16 December 2010. It caps the redundancy payouts to civil servants at 15 months' salary. Initially the proposal was for a maximum of 12 months' salary. PCS and Prospect are conducting a ballot on members and HR have issued a letter to staff...
FCTU Note - Responding To Change 2nd December 2010
Allan MacKenzie has issued a letter to members on cuts in the Forestry Commission, the Public Bodies Bill and the government's intention to get us all to invest in the 'Big Society'.
England Staff Council - Briefing Note 10th November 2010
FCTU England have issued a briefing note to staff following the Staff Council held on 4th November. The was the first meeting of the Forestry Commission England Staff Council under the Chairmanship of David Henderson-Howat...
Public Bodies Bill - Second Reading 9th November 2010
The Public Bodies Bill received its second reading - a general debate on all aspects of the Bill - in the House of Lords today. Prior to its reading, FCTU Sectretary Allan MacKenzie wrote to each of the Lords speaking at reading, highlighting our concerns and seeking support...
FBU Review & MES Scotland Review 9th November 2010
Director FBU has provided an update for staff on the FBU Review and clarified the situation regarding the MES Review.
New Forest Policy Direction in England 29th October 2010
Today we heard the Minister’s statement, which the DG shared in the update sent to staff today. In it are two very telling sections that nail this government’s intention to the wall beyond any doubt.
They are going to sell off England’s Forest Public Estate and the government has even created a tailor made bill allowing them to do it...
Ministers Plan Huge Sell-off of England's Forests 26th October 2010
Many of you will have already seen the recent press coverage of leaked information surrounding the ConDem government’s plans to sell if not all, then the majority of the FC’s land in England. This briefing from Allan MacKenzie was issued to union reps today.
Allan was asked by the media to give a statement and he reiterated our fundamental opposition to any sale of publicly owned forests, no matter where in GB...
DG Note - Spending Review Figures Announced 20th October 2010
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, has announced in Parliament the Spending review settlement figures for government departments and for the devolved administrations. Budget reduction measures are severe with the administration budgets of main Whitehall departments cut by one third, and up to 490,000 public sector job losses projected over the next four years...
FCTU's Update on Spending and Organisational Reviews 15th October 2010
‘If you think that you or the role you undertake will remain unaffected by change, we in the FCTU are certain that that will not be the case - it may not happen straight away; it may not happen for a period of time, but be assured it will happen.’
That was a thought we shared with you back in November 2009; reading the recent letters from the DG it is clear that we are about to begin to feel the full force of the changes soon...
Arms Length Body Review - FC England to be Retained 14th October 2010
Following the news of the leaked list of Quangos/Arms Length Bodies under review, it was confirmed by the DG that Ministers have decided to retain the Forestry Commission in England, but subject to reform...
DG's Update on Spending and Organisational Reviews 13th October 2010
Staff were today issued with an update on spending reviews, making it clear that the impending annoucements will have significant impact on the funding and future role of the Forestry Commission.
BBC News - Leaked List Suggests 180 Quangos and Other Bodies to be Abolished - FC 'Still to be Decided' 24th September 2010
Proposals to abolish 180 quangos and merge a further 124 have been seen by the BBC's Politics Show. In the leaked list, the Forestry Commission is listed under DEFRA on page 7 as 'still to be decided'.
Business Units Review 13th September 2010
The second meeting of the Forestry Commission Business Unit Review Forum was held on 13 September in Silvan House. A briefing note can can be found here.
People Support Review 6th September 2010
A review of People Support was carried out earlier in the year, for which the FCTU had a representative on the review group. Although the review report was positive about the service being provided, it became clear that there was a need to make a significant cost saving...
FCTU Brand - Standing Out From a Crowd 11th August 2010
When the FC introduced its new branding policy the FCTU took this as a chance to revitalise its own image and, to come up with a brighter and fresher look...
Business Units Review Forum UPDATED 30th July 2010
The first meeting of the Forestry Business Units Review Forum was held yesterday in Silvan House. A briefing note can be found here.
Business Units Review UPDATED 6th July 2010
In the set of briefing notes provided to the constituent unions about the FBU review meeting held on the 1st July, it was pointed out that the next stage would be to look at the implementation process.
Implementation will take place in two stages...
FCTU Campaign - It's Time... 6th July 2010
Many of you will be aware of the enormous media frenzy that is being directed at those of us who work in the Civil Service and the public sector, where the UK’s financial problems have become something we are responsible for.
It’s time for the Forestry Commission Trade Unions to campaign to protect our jobs, our standards of living, and our future pensions.
Please see this letter from Allan MacKenzie, FCTU Departmental Secretary.
Civil Service Compensation Scheme - Cabinet Office Announcement UPDATED 6th July 2010
Staff will have seen the letter from Director HR sent out today, outlining that the Government wants to "bring redundancy payments made to civil servants in line with best practice in the wider public and private sector" and change the law to cut civil service redundancy terms...
Business Units Review UPDATED 1st July 2010
Today the FCTU sat down with FC Management to discuss the Jarah report and the potential next steps resulting from the report’s findings...
Civil Service Pay Freeze 23rd June 2010
HR have confirmed via this letter to all staff that Departments in legally binding multi-year deals will be allowed to conclude those deals before implementing the pay freeze. This means that the Forestry Commission will pay the 3rd year of our 3-year deal this October.
Civil Service Compensation Scheme - Judicial Review Successful UPDATED 18th June 2010
Mr Justice Sales confirmed today that PCS was right to challenge the way the terms of the Civil Service Compensation Scheme, that governs redundancy payments, were slashed...
Management of Trade Union Reps 11th June 2010
The Forestry Commission endorses the recently revised FCTU guide to the Management of Trade Union Reps. The booklet gives managers valuable information and guidance in how to work with Representatives to make sure that their dual work roles are correctly balanced...
Civil Service Compensation Scheme - Quashing Order UPDATED 26th May 2010
The judge will determine the terms of the quashing order, following the successful outcome of the legal challenge, on 9 June...
Lyme Disease - A Cautionary Tale 21st May 2010
Do ticks find you palatable?
Civil Service Compensation Scheme - Judical Review UPDATED 10th May 2010
Following the two-day judicial review hearing in the High Court in April, it was ruled today that the previous Government acted unlawfully when it introduced, without PCS’s agreement, a new redundancy scheme reducing the rights staff had accrued over time...
Business Units Review UPDATED 5th May 2010
On 8th April Bruce Hamilton and Alistair Gillies from FCTU Business Units met with the consultant, Paul Jarah to discuss the review...
Sick Note to Fit Note 6th April 2010
Across the UK, doctors will be using the new fit note system to advise that their patient is either unfit for work, or may be fit for work...
New Retirement Policy & Procedure UPDATED 5th March 2010
Following on from the last update on the Mandatory Retirement Age, the new Retirement Policy & Procedure have now been released...
Business Units Review 5th March 2010
Following the announcement that a review of Business Units will be carried out, FCTU BU have issued a letter to members, detailing the questions that will be put forward to Director FBU.
PCS Ballot - Civil Service Compensation Scheme UPDATED 26th February 2010
A majority of members voting in the national ballot have voted in favour of strike action by 63.4% to 36.6%, and in favour of action short of a strike by 81.4% to 18.6%. Please see the members briefing and PCS website for more information.
Retirement of Andy Phillips 17th February 2010
After 47 years service, Andy intends to retire from the Forestry Commission at the end of February. After starting in Somerset and then having a spell in Scotland, Andy moved to north Wales where...
Civil Service Compensation Scheme UPDATED 3rd February 2010
Agreement has been reached between the Cabinet Office, FDA, Prospect, POA, GMB and Unite. FC staff will today have received the letter from HR, a joint statement from 5 of the Civil Service Unions and letter from Sir Gus O'Donnell to all Civil Servants.
PCS continue to oppose the proposals...
Partnership Agreement 26th January 2010
Following discussions between the FCTU and HR, the Partnership Agreement has been revised and modernised. The latest version is available here.
Civil Service Compensation Scheme UPDATED 19th January 2010
As you will no doubt be aware by now the unions have had further talks with Cabinet Office to see if a resolution to the proposed changes can be found. Unfortunately, no such solution has been forthcoming...
Mandatory Retirement Age UPDATED 18th January 2010
Following the announcement from Sir Gus O’Donnell that there will no longer be any mandatory retirement age for Senior Civil Servants as from March 2010, the FCTU have been in discussions with HR to consider the work required to remove the mandatory retirement age for staff...
FCE Head Office Peebles– Relocation Working Group UPDATED 11th January 2010
In October 2009, a working group consisting of the following members was set up to carry out a consultation between management the Trade Unions on the above proposed relocation...