Thursday, 2 December 2010
Tuesday, 16 November 2010
SPSA Update
Dear colleague,
There have been many recent developments as progress is made with T & C harmonisation and job evaluation.
IMPORTANT: We hope to be able to ballot members on the harmonisation and the job evaluation scheme, this is planned to run from December 6th to December 20th. This decision rests with the pay unit in London. Papers will be posted out but votes should be cast in local ballot boxes. If you think you may be unable to cast a vote at your normal place of work during that period, for annual leave or any other reason, please email steven.ferguson@spsa.pnn.police.uk so that a reply envelope can be arranged.
Also: please ensure your contact details on SCOPE are accurate to ensure you receive your ballot paper!
Harmonisation of T& Cs
SPSA have finalised their proposal for a harmonised terms and conditions package following negotiation with UNISON. This is a separate negotiation from those ongoing at the Police Staff Council, and we believe that a good deal has been won for our members. The proposed Ts and Cs should be published for everyone to see on the SPSA intranet, the week beginning Monday 22nd November. We expect that UNISON members will be balloted on the proposal in December, as discussed above.
Job Evaluation
This lengthy process is nearing a conclusion. Details of the process, should be made available for staff to read on the SPSA intranet, also the week beginning Monday 22nd November. The SPSA Exec and HR will take part in “roadshows” that week to explain Job Evaluation to staff and answer questions. We await a decision from London as to whether UNISON members can be balloted on the proposal in December.
All staff should receive letters in the first week of December notifying them of what their new salary will be from April 1st, 2011. There will be the opportunity to appeal should anyone feel their role has not been properly evaluated – details will be provided with the notification letters.
It is important that everyone checks their current role profile when it is published to ensure it accurately reflects their job.
Forensics Modernisation
The proposal by SPSA, which has not been made public, is still with the Justice Secretary, Kenny MacAskill. SPSA expect his decision by the end of November. UNISON has written to the Cabinet Secretary asking for an opportunity for face to face discussions on the proposals and we await the decision as to whether this will be granted.
Voluntary Redundancy Scheme
SPSA has opened a voluntary redundancy scheme, with expressions of interest (not final decisions) sought by November 26th. We understand that expressions of interest after this date may also be considered.
It is important to note that this falls way below the expectations of UNISON in terms of other schemes currently on offer within the Police service and wider public sector, however, SPSA have a right to publish a voluntary scheme as they see fit and have intimated that this is all that is affordable to them. We have voiced our displeasure at the scheme to SPSA and are not backing the scheme, however it should be pointed out to members that it is voluntary and members must decide whether this meets their expectations or not and decide on how to progress on that basis.
If you have any questions on the above issues please email Kenny.laing@spsa.pnn.police.uk or steven.ferguson@spsa.pnn.police.uk, or alternatively contact your local stewards or Branch.