Forestry Commission Trade Unions - www.fctu.org.uk
General News
This page contains small selection of general news. If you wish to see news specific to your union or area, then please use one of the links to the right.
On this Page:
> Standing Out From a Crowd
> Management of Trade Union Reps
> Revised Partnership Agreement
> Civil Service Pensions
> Pre-Budget Report
> Saving Childcare Vouchers
> Departmental Staff Council
> Mandatory Retirement Age
> Swine Flu
> Harmonisation of Leave Years
> Changes to Overtime Arrangements
> Grading of FCTU Posts
> Postfilling for JEGS Regraded Posts
> FCTU Secretary Post
> Area Committees - New Name for NOCs
Standing Out From a Crowd
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.
The look had to show at first glance – the main message of who we are and who we represent with out losing the link to the FC – in a way, we wanted the impossible; to be the same, but different!
After months of work and discussion, we believe that we have achieved exactly that. Stepping away from the corporate brand means that we stand out and can give more emphasis to our sole objective of representing you, the unions.
Management of Trade Union Reps
The Forstry 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.
Jean Lindsay, Director HR in her foreword to the booklet said, “We acknowledge the important contribution that Forestry Commission Trade Union representatives make and demonstrate our commitment to their role by helping to ensure that time is made available to them, through their forward job plans, to carry out their duties and that their contributions are acknowledged in the reporting process.”
The FCTU Chair and Secretary have launched a programme of visiting managers across the organisation to talk about the benefits of the Facility Time Agreement, starting with the Scottish FDMs at a meeting held at Cowal and Trossachs FD on 3rd June.
Revised 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.
Public Sector Pensions Commission (link)
Further to update on Civil Service Pensions, from the Public Sector Pensions Commission Website and in this briefing:
The Public Sector Pensions Commission has been set up as a result of an initiative from the Institute of Economic Affairs, the Institute of Directors and other groups and is chaired by an independent actuary. Its terms of reference are to present to the next Government a realistic set of options for reform of the present public sector pension arrangements. It is increasingly clear that, with ever increasing longevity, reform is necessary to ensure that public sector pensions remain financially sustainable for the long term.
The Public Sector Pensions Commission will be taking evidence over the coming months with a view to producing a final report in the summer of 2010, following extensive consultation with experts from across the pensions spectrum.
Civil Service Pensions and the Pre-Budget Report
11th December 2009
Today you will have received a letter from our HR Director outlining what the Chancellor said and meant about Civil Service Pensions. Unfortunately the quote missed out the Chancellor's opening sentence in which he said, "Thirdly, on public sector pay and pensions, public pensions need to be broadly in line with those offered in the private sector. So, by 2012 contributions by the state to public sector pensions for teachers, etc, etc ....."
The worry for us must be the reference to bring our pension into line with the private sector. We are justifiably nervous about any suggestions that may have an affect upon our pensions now an in the future, we took to the streets a few years ago to convince the Government that we are very passionate about protecting our pension rights. It is worth noting that at the moment, pensions are managed by different parts of the Civil Service and administered by 6 public and 2 private sector providers, over 9 sites. The plan is to bring them all together, so the administration of Civil Service pensions is managed as one team working across all government departments. The Civil Service pensions themselves won’t change. But the administration will be much smoother, more efficient, and provide a better service for all involved.
Sir Gus O’Donnell, the Head of the Civil Service, asked the Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) to host the project. A team has been set up to plan the changes and make them happen. They’ll also be responsible for managing Civil Service pensions administration. The new team will work within DWPs Shared Services, working under contract to a new Scheme Management Board. They’ll report to the DWP Permanent Secretary.
We need to watch with care any mention or initiatives and remain sceptical and vigilant on any correspondence about Civil Service pensions.
Pre-Budget Report (link)
10th December 2009
Chancellor Alistair Darling delivered the Pre-Budget Report 2009 (PBR) on 9th December. This outlines how the government plans to halve the level of public borrowing while continuing to invest in the frontline public services that people rely on. We have summarised the highlights from the PBR and it's potential implications for members...
Saving Childcare Vouchers
UPDATED 8th December 2009 - the Government have backed down from this plan. Full details available here.
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As with a lot of things unions have to deal with, this is about protecting future staff as much as current staff, and would hope that people sign the petition for the benefit of current and future colleagues whether it directly affects them or not.
What's it all about?
The Government has announced plans to phase out childcare vouchers from April 2011, in favour of providing 10 hours a week of free childcare for some 2 years olds in England.
What does it mean for you?
Although existing voucher users are expected to be able to continue claiming childcare vouchers until 2015, the Government has not yet released details about how the phasing out of childcare vouchers will be managed. At the moment, it seems likely that parents who switch to a new employer or who want to take a break from childcare vouchers after April 2011 will not be able to restart their childcare vouchers. We will keep you updated as soon as more information becomes available.
How can you make a difference?
Over 80,000 parents have now signed the official Downing Street petition, which is putting increasing pressure on the Government. Every signature helps, so if you would like to show your support for childcare vouchers please sign the petition at http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/keepvouchers. If you know anyone who is planning to start a family after 2011, please also tell them about the petition, as the Government's proposals could directly affect them.
You can also make a real difference by emailing your MP and expressing your concern about the planned withdrawal of the scheme. It's easy to email your MP - just click http://findyourmp.parliament.uk and enter your postcode to find out how.
Departmental Staff Council
29th October 2009
On 4th November the annual Departmental Staff Council will be held in Silvan House, at which the FCTU and management will be discussing a range of issues. We have raised and submitted papers for the following:
Minutes of the meeting will available on the website.
Mandatory Retirement Age
9th October 2009
The Cabinet Secretary and Head of the Home Civil Service, Sir Gus O’Donnell has marked National Older People’s Day (1st October) by announcing that there will no longer be any mandatory retirement age for Senior Civil Servants as from March 2010.
Making the announcement, Gus said:
“Older People’s Day recognises the important contribution that older workers make in the work place and I want to make sure that every level of the Civil Service benefits from the skills and experience that older workers bring. This change is consistent with our policy of recognising the skills and experience of all our people, and we have now taken the opportunity to extend the policy of not having a mandatory retirement age to include our most senior people”.
In 2008 Permanent Secretaries agreed to remove a mandatory retirement age policy for staff below the Senior Civil Service as from March 2010. A commitment was also made to review the mandatory retirement age policy for the Senior Civil Service – and this change is the result of that review.
Gus stressed the importance of ensuring a diverse workforce that reflects the society we serve:
“I am proud that the Civil Service values all of its people regardless of age. We need to draw on the skills and experience of an increasingly diverse workforce so that we can continue to improve the delivery of public services for everyone in society.”
"The extension of this policy to our senior staff, demonstrates our commitment to providing greater working flexibility for all of our people.”
The FCTU are in discussions with HR and are considering the work required to remove the mandatory retirement age for staff (below the Senior Civil Service) by March 2010 and instigate dialogue on the implications this may have. The FC’s current retirement policy requires employees to formally request to work beyond age 65 and, if approved, the employee can either continue to work indefinitely or for a fixed period. Less than 1% of the current FC workforce is over the age of 65 (24 employees) and work in all areas of the business. The FCTU have asked the constituent unions to gather views from members by the next Departmental Committee meeting on 27th October.
Swine Flu
9th October 2009
The FCTU have approached HR to ask if they planned to suspend sick leave trigger notifications should someone be infected with swine flu, even if it was previously diagnosed. HR have advised that the working group were looking into this and have established some myths surrounding swine flu. The 'myth busting' staff update is available here. The working group is publishing all swine flu related news on e-connect.
Harmonisation of Leave Years
14th September 2009
At present, 3 different Leave Years are in operation within the FC, ie April to March, November to October and December to November.
At the time of Staff Unification (the project in 2000 which brought together the terms and conditions of the two groups of staff), the Steering Group considered harmonising the 3 Leave Years, but decided not to proceed with that as there were concerns that having all staff on the same leave year might lead to large numbers of staff wishing to take leave towards the end of the leave year, ie all at the same time.
The FCTU recently asked HR to look at this issue and have concluded that this is no longer a concern. We have therefore agreed with HR that the time is now right to make this change. Accordingly, with effect from 1st April 2010, all staff will be moved onto an April to March Leave Year. However, we would emphasise that no-one will lose out as a result of this change.
Those currently on a November-to-October or December-to-November leave year will receive a pro-rata interim leave allowance this year and then their next full allowance from 1st April 2010.
To avoid difficulty for those intending to use a significant portion of their leave over the winter months, staff affected by this change will be allowed to anticipate additional leave from their 2010/11 allowance if required. Similarly, if this change causes staff to exceed the 50 day banking limit as at 31st March 2010, they will be allowed to bank any unused leave from the interim allowance as at 1st April 2010.
Further guidance is available from the HR Services teams in Silvan House.
Changes to Overtime Arrangements
10th August 2009
The FCTU raised concerns that as part of the imposed 3 year pay award, changes were made to overtime rules involving harmonistation of the multipliers and a change to the calculation of the hourly rate used to pay overtime. This resulted in a substantial reduction in take home earnings for a number of staff and as this was imposed, was in fact constituted a breach of contract. Following discussions with the FC, the issue was resolved positively and quickly and we are pleased to report that the two changes have now been reversed and HR will recalculate all overtime paid at the end of May, June and July. On 31st July HR and FCTU issued a joint notice to all staff explaining the change.
Grading of FCTU Posts
13th Jan 2009
Following on from the revision to Staff Notice 14 last October we have now reached an agreement with HR to modify the grading arrangements for FCTU posts. Due to the fact that the FCTu posts are filled through an election within the constituent unions rather than by open competition it is not possible to draw up a detailed job description until the postfilling process is completed. This is turn creates isses with the grrading of the post and these revised arrangements ensure that postholders are properly rewarded for the work that they do, but do not gain long-term advantage from their appointment. The formal request to HR has now been agreed.
Postfilling for JEGS Regraded Posts
31st Oct 2008
We have today welcomed the publication of a revised version of Staff Notice 14 which outlines amended procedures for filling JEGS regraded posts. The new rules should enable more staff to develop their own post without the uncertainty of having to reapplying for their own job.
Prior to the publication of this revised notice, staff who were successful in growing their post into a higher grade were required to reapply for their own post through open competition. The uncertainty caused by this process disuaded many from applying to have their post regraded; despite the fact that in almost every case the original incumbant has been successful in the competition. The new rules remove the requirement for open competition in most cases, and represent a common sense approach filling these posts.
FCTU Secretary Post
1st Oct 2008
The joint unions have today elected Allan Mackenzie as their new secretary. Allan is currently a planning forester at Lochaber FD as well as the PCS Group President; he will take up his new role towards the end of the year.
On accepting his nomination Allan said: I am very honoured to have been elected into the post of Departmental Trade Union Secretary. I understand that I have a steep learning curve ahead of me and I look forward to the challenges that this role brings with it.
It is my intention to emulate the past successes and will always strive to ensure that the FCTU operates effectively and efficiently; and remains fit for purpose. I will remain focused on achieving the maximum possible improvements in the employment conditions for all union members in the FC.
I am acutely aware that this remains very much a team effort not only through the dedicated staff in the FCTU office, Sue and Sam, but in working closely with lead representatives from each of the constituent unions and those tireless reps across the breadth of GB. It is my sincerest hope that the next few years see greater benefits for our members, fair pay for all, security of employment and total equality throughout the many sections of the Forestry Commission.
10th Aug 2008
After nearly nine years Edward Shephard has decided that it is time for him to leave the post of FCTU Secretary. In a letter to Robert Beaney (FCTU Chairperson) Edward thanked everyone who has worked hard for the unions over the last few years and looked forward to another challenge elsewhere in the FC.
Consequently the search for a new FCTU Secretary has begun. The post is filled by an election amongst senior reps which will take place at the next meeting of the FCTU Council on 1st October 2008; and each of the FCTU's constituent unions are able to nominate a candidate. If you are interested in being considered for the post then please speak to a senior representative within your union as soon as possible.
Further Information: Calling Notice.
Area Committees - New Name for NOC's
16th Jul 2008
After a lengthy consultation we have decided to rename our regional committees to better represent the joint unions' name. The proposal to change name of the NOC's was endorsed along with several other recommendations by Council at its February 2008 meeting. The acronym ‘FCTU’ has quickly become synonymous with the work of the joint unions, which is being built on through our communications strategy, for example in the name of our website. Therefore, the name of the NOC's has been brought under the same label as FCTU Council and FCTU Office, their generic term has been changed from Regional to Area Committees: thus, the ‘England NOC’ will become the ‘FCTU England Committee’. Click here for further information.