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January 2021
UNISON West Sussex Branch newsletter • www.unisonwestsussex.org.uk
CORONAVIRUS
UNISON’s Covid-19
support for you
Advice if colleagues test positive
for the virus | See pages 5, 10 and 12
virtual
Branch
agms
s e e pa g e 2
SEE INSIDE Term time only pay 3 • WSCC budget cuts 4 • Branch committee
nominations 6 • Insourcing IT from Capita 8 • New lockdown, new measures 12
Higher Ed pay 13 • Exit payments cap 15 • GBMet Worthing closures? 18
2 join.unison.org.uk
New year need to keep themselves year’s committee, with an
greetings updated in a fast-changing expanded membership to
have been environment. Even though include our very welcome
tinged with branch officers are working three new convenors.
an element of from home, we are still here You may also have heard
sadness and to support you in any way that UNISON has a new
uncertainty we can. 2021 will be a very general secretary, Christina
this January as the pandemic challenging year. McAnea. Branch nominee
continues to spread From 2020, there are Paul Holmes was placed a
remorselessly, putting many ongoing disagreements hugely creditable second.
of you at daily risk during the still needing to be resolved However, we congratulate
course of your work. such as the thorny issue of Christina and wish her well in
Our advice for members exit payments, which we her new role. Let’s hope 2021
is constantly updated and discuss on page 15, and is a better one for everyone.
we present here the latest the impact of yet more Keep well and stay safe.
available at the time of going council cuts on services (see
to print. Much of this focuses page 4). You can also see Dan Sartin,
on schools, but all members branch nominations for this Branch Secretary
Virtual branch AGMs • Monday 29 March,
12.30-1.30pm
• Tuesday 30 March,
Branch AGMs will take place this year at the 4.30-5.30pm
end of March using the Zoom app. There will be • Wednesday 31 March,
three, short AGM sessions consisting of half hour 6.30-7.30pm
business reports and annual elections to the
branch committee, then questions to the branch All members from any
secretary, treasurer and other committee members. employer (and retired
members) are welcome at
Sadly, due to Covid-19 Chichester AGM, but there any of our AGMs. We’d love
restrictions we cannot hold will be a range of prizes you to join us.
our usual quiz and curry available. AGMs take place We’ve deliberately
night at the end of the at the following times: organised the AGMs at
different times of the day to
allow as many members to
join us as possible, so that
school and shift workers
at least have a chance to
participate. We will send
out links and passwords via
email nearer the dates. For
those who have never used
Zoom, we will also post
instructions on how to join
a virtual meeting. We look
forward to seeing as many
of you as possible.
join.unison.org.uk 3
Term-time only pay – update
UNISON is continuing to work with WSCC to try to pay going back a period
settle the term-time only (TTO) pay issue for members. of up to five years and
This mainly affects schools’ workers on lower salaries three months from 1 April
who have not been receiving the statutory minimum 2020, and would provide
5.6 weeks’ annual leave within their pay calculation. an additional sum, where
applicable, to make up for
A tribunal which UNISON our case there. But in the potential loss on pre-2014
won (the Brazel judgement) meantime, the branch has LGPS pension.
puts WSCC – and potentially been working on a different UNISON is aware that
any employer – in breach agreement with WSCC, members in schools where
of the law if they did not whereby if the Supreme WSCC is not the employer
update their pay calculations Court appeal is thrown out will be similarly affected,
to reflect it. Backpay will be the council will settle its and we are discussing how
owed. Sums are not expected liabilities at that point. this sensible agreement
to be huge, but members will An agreement will be would be promoted to other
quite rightly want to receive made in writing now so we employers in the school
their due backpay and have know who will be in scope if community so they were
their pay calculated correctly the Supreme Court finds in encouraged to use it.
going forwards. UNISON’s favour. This will The Supreme Court
The matter has been include all members who appeal is not due to be
delayed by the attention were on TTO contracts as at heard until November 2021,
taken up by Covid-19. 1 April 2020 and those who with a judgement expected
In addition, the Brazel began or left employment in Spring 2022. We will keep
judgement is now subject after 1 April 2020 (if you left members updated, and you
to appeal at the Supreme WSCC employment prior are likely to hear direct from
Court. WSCC does not wish to 1 April 2020 you need to WSCC in writing about what
to settle its liabilities only contact the UNISON office). we have agreed.
to see Brazel overturned by The agreement will Please ask non-members
the Supreme Court. UNISON provide for settlement of to join us as soon as possible
is confident of winning underpaid statutory holiday at: join.unison.org.uk
4 join.unison.org.uk
Cuts to WSCC services
This government’s disgraceful attitude to UNISON head of local
adequately funding local government services government Jon Richards
has, according to the County Councils’ Network, said, “Council workers have
resulted in ‘just one in five councils being ‘confident’ been at the forefront of
they can deliver a balanced budget next year
running essential services
without dramatic reductions to services.’
during the pandemic and
shouldn’t pay the price by
Recently, Croydon Council vulnerable members of the
losing their jobs because of
brought in emergency public are being discussed
government underfunding.
spending restrictions and such as:
A long-term plan is needed
issued a notice effectively • cutting back children &
for local government,
declaring its bankruptcy. family centre and Find
recognising the crucial
More councils are being It Out youth provision
work it plays in keeping
squeezed to breaking point from 55 buildings to 11,
as Tory spending cuts bite effectively ending the communities going.”
hard with significant lost ‘SureStart’ model; UNISON West Sussex
income from reduced • removing a management branch secretary Dan Sartin
council tax and business layer in children’s said, “We will challenge
rates receipts. services; all local cuts and robustly
Even though it is a Tory- • substantial reductions defend our members
led administration, West in overall public health jobs and services. With its
Sussex County Council spending by the county; £multi-billion new spending
does not escape the worst • closing some residential on defence, and awarding
impacts of continued central care homes; of lucrative Covid-related
government underfunding. • reducing the use of contracts to its chums
For the next three years it home care packages for without due process, this
anticipates gaps of £44m, vulnerable and disabled government has shown it
£17m and £5.9m; a total adults; can find funds when it wants
budget gap of £110m over • closing the staff canteen to. UNISON membership
the four-year period before at County Hall campus; proves invaluable at times
savings considerations. and like these and our members
Drastic cuts with a huge • reviewing council-owned will see better outcomes
impact on our members and estate and buildings. with our support.”
join.unison.org.uk 5
UNISON help during
COVID-19 lockdown
Deputy branch secretary Karen Daubney updates “At time of writing, we
us on the main issues affecting members know that members who
during the latest national lockdown. are Clinically Extremely
Vulnerable should not be in
“Most recently members who has tested positive the workplace. NJC advice
have come to the branch for Covid-19 and should is that Clinically Vulnerable
asking for advice once they self-isolate varies between staff should not be either.
know a colleague has tested settings. In an office, if you’ve “We’ve also had concerns
positive for Covid-19. Many worked directly with an raised by social workers
have approached local infected person within two being asked to go into
managers but sometimes metres for 15 minutes, this face-to-face situations with
their concerns have not been is considered close contact service users. We raised
taken seriously, these concerns
with concerns at the children’s
measures are not services joint
maintaining a safe consultative
workplace. committee (JCC).
“The apparent Their advice
lack of managerial was that local
knowledge managers must
of correct risk assess each
procedures situation and
in such cases put in place
highlighted the appropriate
need for simple measures to
guidelines to ensure staff safety.
be made easily Your first action is
available. We’ve worked and you must self-isolate to talk to your manager who
on these with the council’s straight away. However, the should conduct an individual
HR service, so there’s clear definition of ‘close contact’ risk assessment. However,
guidance for managers to changes if you’re a care if you are not satisfied
know what to do. worker wearing PPE the with their response, please
“The guidelines are based whole day. contact the branch office for
on information from the “There are also judgments advice.
government’s website. They to be made if a person is for We have advised several
outline steps to be taken example, diagnosed on a hundred members on
depending on a variety of Monday, but has not been in Covid-19 during 2020 and
workplace situations. contact with colleagues for can provide support to
“For example, the over two days. In such cases, ensure you are not put in
definition of someone being the risk of infection will be harm’s way.”
‘in close contact’ with another reduced.
6 join.unison.org.uk
BRANCH OFFICERS FO
The branch committee has nominated the followin
Branch Chair Branch Vice-Chair Branch Secretary Deputy Branch Secretary
Ian Harvey Sarah Etherington Dan Sartin Karen Daubney
Equalities Officer (Women) Equalities Officer (BME) Equalities Officer (Disability) Equalities Officer (LGBT)
Carla Hardy Olu Oyedele Sarah Etherington Paul Woodcock
Health & Safety Officer (1) Health & Safety Officer (2) Labour Link Officer International Officer
Karen Daubney Carla Hardy Dan Sartin Chris Hughes
Environmental Officer Young Members’ Officer Education Co-ordinator Lifelong Learning Co-ordinator
Julie Bolton Kiera Hilder Briony Stilliard Briony Stilliardjoin.unison.org.uk 7
OR 2021/22 ELECTIONS
ng members to serve as branch officers in 2021/22.
Branch Treasurer Pensions Officer Retired Members’ Secretaries
Jennie Barrett Judith Taylor Jennie Gudgeon/Margaret Guest
Children’s Services Convenor WSCC Adults’ Services Convenor WSCC Schools Convenor WSCC Other departments
Sarah Etherington Gerard Robson Keith Manville Convenor Vacant
Welfare Officer Communications Officer Membership Officer
Stuart Gibbons Vacant Vacant
The branch committee has nominated If you are interested in taking on any role,
the above members to serve as please contact the branch secretary to find
branch officers in 2021/22. out more or request a nomination form.
As part of the union’s democratic process, Branch committee meets six times per year
nomination forms for any of the positions (in ‘non-pandemic’ times, usually split between
are available from the branch office. Chichester and Worthing, though there are
The annual election process for now options to meet virtually by Zoom). If
workplace representatives has also started. you would like to get more involved with the
The nomination period for all positions branch, as a committee member or workplace
ends on Wednesday 10 February. rep, now is the time. Please get in touch!8 join.unison.org.uk
IT services to be
insourced from Capita
The County Council is looking to Branch
bring its IT services provision back secretary
in-house, releasing it from the Capita Dan Sartin
contract early. It’s the latest example said, “We
in a long line of services previously always
outsourced to Capita now brought knew that
back under council control. outsourcing services to companies such
By doing this, the council is estimated to save as Capita was going to prove inefficient
£500k per year, forming a major element of and costly for the council in the long-term.
its savings plan over the next few years. Incredibly given its experience, the council
The current contract concludes at the end may still look to keep some elements of IT in
of September 2022 but research shows there the private sector so UNISON will be looking
is greater benefit to the council by moving to for assurance and involvement at each stage
a new model earlier. It intends to insource so we know that in-house solutions are not
the service by summer 2021. We estimate being unfairly side-lined.”
that of the 20 services included in the Capita Capita UNISON rep Ian Harvey said,
contract at various times, at the most only six “UNISON members affected by this change
will remain so by the summer. If the council can rest assured we will be present
can save £500k each year by doing this, it throughout the TUPE process and will always
begs the question how much money it has seek to achieve the best outcome possible
wasted since 2012 on the failed contract. for you.”
NEC nominations
The West Sussex branch
currently has two members
successfully elected to the NEC
UNISON’s national executive council (NEC) is to represent the South East
its highest governance body. It is made up of region, Dan Sartin – our branch
68 representatives to cover UNISON’s diverse secretary – and Abi Holdsworth
and huge 1.3million membership. – a workplace rep who works
for Capita in Bognor. Both have
NEC members are elected to decided to stand again in 2021.
represent the 12 regions, 7 Dan Sartin said, “Abi and
service groups (for example, myself will be standing with
local government being other like-minded candidates
one) and 3 national groups on a platform of radical change
(black members, disabled for UNISON. The NEC runs
members and young UNISON and determines the
members). The election this union it will be, so it is essential
year will take place from 4 to that members take part in
27 May. these important elections.”join.unison.org.uk 9
Under disciplinary investigation?
A UNISON West Sussex social work member describes “This once again knocked
their recent experience: “I have decided to share my my mental health. I raised
own experiences hoping it will highlight flaws in the this with HR and my
current systems and make WSCC think about the managers. They told me to
need for reform. access the employee support
service. I gave it a
“I never expected to go. However, I was
have my social work disappointed by
practice investigated what they had to
under a disciplinary offer.
process. It started “After six months
unexpectedly. I had of my professional
not been pre-warned life being inspected
of any problems, yet the disciplinary
I was summoned investigation
into a room with my concluded there was
managers and told ‘no case to answer’.
I was suspended Six months of my
pending a disciplinary career I will never
investigation. I sat get back.
crying and confused in
a conference room.
I was told I was not allowed Further investigation Help and support
to share this information “As time dragged on, I “On reflection, the reason
with colleagues and they decided to use the I made it through without
would be told my role opportunity of being a more serious mental health
was changing due to other more restricted office- issues was due to the
reasons. based worker to show my support I had from UNISON.
“After that, obstacles capabilities, and put all I I am fearful for any peers
were continuously put in could into supporting my who may have to go through
my way. One of the biggest service. I got to the point this process in the future
things I noted was the lack of where I thought I would without their support.
communication. get through it and be OK. “It’s time WSCC reviewed
“My mental health quickly Then, out of the blue I was its processes to ensure
declined and I had to seek told WSCC had decided to support is there for
professional help. I ended investigate another area of employees in vulnerable
up on anti-depressants for my practice that had never positions. Investigations drag
the first time ever and lost a been previously raised as a on for such long periods and
substantial amount of weight. concern. with poor communication.”
UNISON is involved in ongoing and detailed discussions with HR at senior levels to review
and make its performance and disciplinary processes more efficient. This work started
positively in 2020 and will continue into 2021. As described above, all public service
workers can benefit from UNISON membership and are encouraged to join us.10 join.unison.org.uk
UPDATE
Covid measures
in schools
Branch schools’ convenor Keith Manville shares
the responses to concerns posed on behalf
of our schools’ members at the recent WSCC
schools’ joint consultative committee (JCC).
1. Face Coverings safety, given the potential false reassurance
In West Sussex schools it has been agreed these tests provide. They should not be used
that staff who wish to wear face coverings instead of self-isolation for close contacts of
may do so. It is not however, acceptable for individuals testing positive for Covid 19, but
employers to allow vulnerable staff to wear in addition.
PPE but then ignore other issues such as The test is only suited to identifying
crossing bubbles, ignoring social distancing some asymptomatic individuals. It suffers
guidelines and disregarding the risk of from low sensitivity when administered by
underlying health conditions. volunteers or self-trained staff. Studies show
it only detects 48.89% of positive infections
2. Deployment of school support staff compared to lab-based PCR tests. This
The branch knows some school support explains why two tests are recommended
staff have been instructed to carry out tasks taken three days apart.
outside their job description, such as cleaning I presented this criticism to the DfE.
toilet areas. This is not appropriate. We have They couldn’t provide answers. We want
been working closely with WSCC HR to resolve to engage with mass testing in schools but
such member concerns within schools. only alongside existing measures. It can’t
replace the need for these measures or be
3. DfE – mass lateral flow testing used instead of them. For a more complete
for schools evaluation of UNISON concerns on the
After a recent meeting I attended with national schools’ sector statement on this
UNISON national colleagues and the subject, check out the branch website.
department for education (DfE) discussing
the roll-out of mass testing in schools, I have 4. Risk assessments
an additional concern regarding workplace Schools should be publishing their risk
assessment on websites or making them
available to staff on an intranet.
If you have concerns on any of the
above matters, please contact me through
the branch office. UNISON is providing
support to hundreds of school support staff
through the Covid pandemic. If you are
uncomfortable at what you are being asked
to do, or believe your health is being put at
risk, get in touch.www.unisonwestsussex.org.uk 11
School restructures
In addition to the many council services being • Steyning Grammar School
restructured where UNISON is actively supporting • Our Lady of Sion School,
our members, the branch is also involved in several Worthing
schools-based restructures. • Manor Field Primary
School, Burgess Hill
Members’ support is led by negotiations on terms • Oriel High School, Crawley
branch negotiations officer and conditions and TUPE • Bohunt School, Worthing
Zoe Walker and branch transfers we’ve recently • Stepping Stones Nursery
schools’ convenor Keith supported: School, Bognor Regis
Manville. Here are some • North Chapel Primary • The Education Centre,
of the school restructures, School, Petworth Haywards Heath
If any UNISON member at any of these schools would like further information or support,
please contact the branch on 01243 777636 or office.unison@westsussex.gov.uk
Virtual advice
In an attempt to turn a negative into a positive
for schools-based members, branch negotiations
officer Zoe Walker wants to make the most of
the opportunity the ‘virtual office’ model has
provided due to the coronavirus pandemic.
“Though I miss many of circumstances, not least anything causing you and
the benefits of working due to travel and transport your colleagues concern.
together in an office, problems. “Also, we need more
there is an up-side to “Many of the issues I hear school reps. I can help
homeworking,” said Zoe. from different schools are train up new reps via
“Technology has arguably often similar, so I’d like to video technology and
allowed better use of time. make the following offer. support new reps through
Using video-call software “If any UNISON rep or their first few months
such as Zoom has group of members from in the role. Please get
allowed me to virtually a particular school would in touch with me if this
‘meet’ more members to like support or advice on is something you would
provide support and also a specific issue that can consider.”
meet groups of schools- be delivered virtually, then Contact Zoe on: zoe@
based reps. This would I’m happy to help if I can. unisonwestsussex.org.uk
be difficult in normal Please let me know if there is12 join.unison.org.uk
C-19 in schools: is a significant change to
circumstances and that
would include a new national
new year, lockdown. Please check your
school risk assessment and
individual risk assessment
new lockdown has been updated and your
school is following the latest
advice on protecting clinically
and clinically extremely
vulnerable individuals in
allowing those indicated by
guidance or risk assessment
to work from home or
undertake other duties.
It is also important that
all previous C-19 H&S
guidelines are being followed
to keep those that remain
in our schools as safe as
possible.
The situation in schools has been fast moving. One Testing times
moment the PM was stating his opinion, “schools Mass testing in schools was
were safe to be open” and yet within 24 hours rolled out but the issues
he had closed most settings to all but keyworker were overshadowed by
children and the most vulnerable students, following events during early January.
pressure from education unions and SAGE advice. Engagement with testing is
voluntary and no one can be
At time of writing, UNISON the SAGE data on this and forced to undertake or carry
remains concerned about does not believe this is right. out testing. UNISON further
the position given by It is astonishing PM Johnson advises that testing of close
the DfE in special school could decide early years contacts should not replace
settings, given the wider settings are safe to remain self-isolation protocols.
definition of vulnerable to open, while saying schools Testing should be in addition
include all pupils with an must close on safety grounds. to, not instead of, existing
EHC Plan. However, it is our The new national H&S protocols.
understanding the director lockdown means our We continue to fight to
for education in West Sussex members will now face new keep members safe and
has taken a pragmatic challenges in supporting issue new guidance to our
approach in his advice to reduced numbers of pupils members through emails
heads in SEN settings. in schools, whilst some and the branch website. Any
members remain at potential member of schools’ support
Early years risk in their workplaces. staff with concerns about
The DfE position on early their place of work, risk
years settings is also a Risk assessments assessments or the duties
concern for our members. Risk assessments should they are asked to undertake
UNISON has been requesting be updated whenever there should get in touch.join.unison.org.uk 13
Meet Sarah, branch
This is likely to be
significant work
and I will be
convenor for CYPL working closely
with Dan Sartin
(branch secretary),
Karen Daubney
Former WSCC senior careers adviser, new
branch convenor and UNISON West Sussex (deputy branch
rep and vice-chair Sarah Etherington, talks us secretary), Paula Knott
through some of the significant issues facing our (UNISON rep early help)
members in the children’s, young people and and Debbie Lawes (UNISON
learning directorate (CYPL) over the next year. rep children’s services)
as we make up the team
“I’ve been seconded to the However, in December that meets monthly with
branch from January. This the department for senior CYPL management.
is timely as I will be able education announced “I’ll be consulting with
to support members in that, “The council should members throughout the
CYPL through whatever retain control of its 12-month pause so please
changes there may be to the children’s services for a share your concerns with
directorate resulting from period of twelve months me so I can make sure
the inadequate judgement pending a review of your views form part of the
by Ofsted of children’s improvement progress.” discussions and negotiations.
services in May 2019 and Sarah said, “We hope that “We anticipate a major
the recommendation during this pause the council restructure to start in
in December 2019 that is able to make sufficient 2021. Members should
control of these services progress to prevent the also be aware that UNISON
be transferred to an service being run by a trust.” is negotiating a new
operationally independent “My role is to support scheme for children’s
children’s trust to improve our members through any social workers’ pay.”
services for children, young changes ensuring their Sarah can be contacted
people and families. interests are fully considered. through the branch office.
HE pay consultation update
In early December, UNISON’s higher education officer Ruth Levin said:
(HE) service group executive (SGE) met to consider “Higher education staff have
the results of the pay consultation that closed on worked harder than ever
30 November. before under such difficult
The consultation asked decided that, on the basis of circumstances to keep
UNISON members whether this result, a dispute will be universities running and to
they wished to accept or lodged with the employers. support students. We are
reject the pay freeze that has The SGE also decided the urging the higher education
been imposed on HE staff. campaign should be employers to reconsider
The SGE noted that escalated, including planning their position and get back
members voted strongly for industrial action. around the table and make a
to reject the pay freeze and UNISON senior national meaningful offer.”14 join.unison.org.uk
Restructure of mental Laurence Crossan
health services
One of several restructures the branch is involved
in is that of the council’s adults’ mental health
services. Branch negotiations officer Laurence
Crossan has been leading UNISON’s input.
“Management had made management responsibility. relationship with health
UNISON aware of issues “Though there were and allowance payments,
with the existing service and no redundancies or job but we have negotiated
we understood the reasons losses, some staff expressed arrangements where no
for the proposed structure concerns about having to one will be worse off. The
changes,” said Laurence. learn to use council rather introduction of new rotas
“If it had not, there was than health management has also caused concerns
a risk the service could systems. However, training, regarding work/life balance
not have met its statutory buddying and lots of whole- for a number of individuals.
requirements because the group meetings, group and These are currently under
delivery model was failing. individual consultations and discussion and review.
“The proposals included HR meetings have been held “It’s taken almost two
bringing some outsourced to ensure the new structure years to get to this point and
services back in-house, such was fit for purpose. It goes with nearly all staff affected
as those provided by the live from January 2021. being UNISON members, I
Sussex Health Partnership “But it hasn’t all been believe we have achieved
Foundation via a Section plain sailing. There have a positive outcome for
75 agreement. Though been several queries over many of our members.”
the council funded those job roles and location
posts, it had no direct changes, the future
NJC pay claim
The 2021–22 NJC pay claim will be as important for ever
in helping members keep their heads above water
after years of poor and below-inflation pay increases.
the claim should be for
Members deserve a big rise and schools’ workers on NJC resulted in a clear majority
after all their efforts during pay is that the government is of members wanting a 10%
the pandemic. Instead, the not our employer! Our local claim. Watch this space. We
government has cynically councils are. may need to fight hard for
chosen to tell public service So the 2021–22 pay claim the pay we deserve in 2021.
workers outside of the NHS will proceed as normal with If the Covid-19 experience
that their pay will be frozen. our employers. The West tells us anything, it is that we
The only problem they will Sussex branch’s member are well capable of rising to
have with local government consultation on what level any challenge.join.unison.org.uk 15 UNISON seeks judicial review on exit payments Recently, UNISON held discussions about the possibility of formally challenging the government’s public sector exit payment cap regulations. This has resulted in UNISON sending a ‘pre- action’ letter to the government informing them of our intention to take out a judicial review. The legislation came into force on 4 November 2020, limiting exit payments to a total of £95k. This means the combined value of; your their pension fund a sum equal to the strain statutory redundancy pay, enhanced costs to allow them to retire early with no redundancy pay and the cost to your reduction in pension. Therefore, they could employer of your ‘pension strain’ lose some or all of their redundancy pay. (making up your LGPS so that if made In addition, in early September, the redundant after the age of 55 you can ministry for housing, communities and take your accrued pension benefits local government (MHCLG) launched early and unreduced, in line with LGPS their consultation on implementing exit scheme provisions), must not exceed payments for local government and the 95k. It won’t just affect higher paid senior local government pension scheme (LGPS). managers: it could also have a real This included further disastrous proposals. impact on many members on moderate Potentially, these make the situation even salaries but with long service (e.g. £30k worse as they seek to ensure anyone over per year with 20 years’ service). 55 (regardless of salary or length of service) As yet, neither the guidance nor must choose between taking an unreduced directions to accompany the regulations pension or redundancy pay, even have been published. This means it’s where their combined entitlements not clear to employers how they are would not have taken them over the supposed to put the 95K cap into force. The £95,000 threshold. Everyone over 55 government has left the matter unresolved. would be hit, even the lowest paid. UNISON understands the cap will apply This is an unjustified and unfair attack to all employment exits on or after 4 on public sector workers, and local November 2020. Therefore, any member government in particular. We will made redundant after age 55 from an keep you informed on the progress English council, school or academy with of our judicial review request. unreduced LGPS benefits may not receive If you’re in the LGPS and at risk of part or all of their redundancy and redundancy, keep in close touch with severance payments. They will have to pay UNISON so we can advise you accordingly.
16 join.unison.org.uk
Thank you Adults’ provider
“I would like to thank you
for all the help and care
services update
Though the review of the service’s
you gave me. This period western area was almost
complete, the second phase of the
has opened my eye to how general restructure was paused
important UNISON is when during the first lockdown.
needing guidance and help.” Day centres closed, with only ‘critical
hubs’ open for those with acute needs.
Since lockdown was relaxed, the
“I would like to thank you for restructure has relaunched with staff
your very helpful and kind having to apply for promotions or risk
advice and support, especially being downgraded. All must state
their workplace location preference.
in the telephone meeting
and emails to HR. I would The restructure is a result of a
decision to close a number of day-
not have got to this place care centres, relocating services to
without you, they would have those still open. Some centres needed
sacked me by now. I am not huge levels of investment and others
were suffering from low attendance
easily bullied but at times it due to the council introducing more
felt that way, as when you restrictive needs criteria. This meant
are in a vulnerable state, off fewer people were eligible for the
service, with only those people having
sick, it is easy to succumb.” complex needs able to attend.
The new service structure will combine
“Having just finished the phone both learning disabilities and specialist
call with X, and having achieved day services. A building refurbishment
such a positive outcome, I programme has started, with some
members temporarily relocated to other
wanted to thank you so much centres. In Worthing, The Pines centre
for your help and support with will close with services relocated to
my grievance. I know that The Rowans after refurbishment, with
similar work being done to Glebelands
it has been a real slog, and (Shoreham) and The Laurels (Rustington).
hard work, but you have been
Some members will be faced with extra
so understanding – this has travel time and costs, but the service
made such a difference to me has committed to work with individuals
personally, and the organisation. to resolve any issues. UNISON will
support members faced with temporary
I really could not have done or permanent relocation including
this without you – thank you.” those at risk of being downgraded.join.unison.org.uk 17
Children’s residential representations but these
were largely disregarded.
Redeployment
services restructure and redundancy
If members do not want
Following Ofsted’s recommendation to close one the extra responsibility
WSCC children’s home, the council reviewed others of a grade 9 role nor
and decided to close a further two, with staff downgrading to grade
being reassigned roles. There has been formal 6, there is the option to
consultation on final proposals for the new service. choose redeployment via the
These include reopening Seaside (Shoreham), internal placement service
Mayhouse and Cissbury (both Worthing). to suitable roles in other
services (should they exist).
The latter is only available for
13 weeks. After that there is
a real risk of redundancy.
Future promotion?
Embedded into the new
structure is the latent
problem of future promotion
opportunities: moving from
a grade 6 to grade 9 role is a
big jump in responsibilities.
How is a grade 6 to
incrementally acquire the
skills for a grade 9 unless
they take on duties above
and beyond their grade for
no extra pay? An additional
Deleting management Our members are not role was added after UNISON
layers happy with this outcome. representations, but there
Ofsted believed there were It means those currently are far too few of these. Yet
too many management on the grade 7 and 8 roles again the council is building
layers throughout children’s must decide whether to in career progression
services. However, instead apply for the (fewer) grade problems for the future.
of deleting posts at a senior 9 posts or be downgraded
level (where our members to grade 6. Many members
believe Ofsted had meant), have been in their roles UNISON has fully
the service decided to strip years and feel they have supported our members
out more junior layers. The given everything, especially through the process but
new structure means the during the pandemic, only it has been a frustrating
grade 8 principal child care to be targeted for what and stressful experience
worker and grade 7 senior they view as an unfair and for many staff. It will
child care worker roles are skewed restructure. Lower be interesting to find
deleted, with new team paid staff appear to have out Ofsted’s views once
leader posts created at grade been targeted, while higher this restructure has
9, while retaining the grade 6 grade managers are merely completed.
childcare worker role. slotted in. UNISON made18 join.unison.org.uk
GBMET UPDATE Former Northbrook
College, Broadwater,
possible closures,
now GBMet
alleged policy breaches
and pay claim
Karen Fisher, branch workplace rep at the college’s concern us most. Previously,
Broadwater campus, reports on the latest alarming there would have been
developments in local further education (FE). no question that pay
protection applies. In all
Closure of Worthing and with no additional the restructures we’ve
campuses? government funding, you endured I’ve never known
“The further education can see an almost impossible the college to break policy.
commissioner (FEC) reported task without radical change. We are exploring possible
in August that the college: ‘is “One of the FEC’s responses. To quote
facing several serious and recommendations is to our chair of governors;
deep-seated challenges, create a new ‘estates ‘nothing is off the table’.
relating to both financial strategy’, stating the
and quality issues. The college is ‘not sustainable FE pay claim
on five campuses.’ “This year’s FE pay claim is
college has been in difficulty
“We know this could for salaries to be brought
for several years, with
mean the closure of into line with what they
a deteriorating position
one or both Worthing would have been had pay
following the 2017 merger.’
campuses: a massive blow rises been awarded in-line
“Ever since the merger
to everyone in the college with inflation. We’d like the
with Brighton City College,
and local community. With college to be accredited to
the fortunes of the former
millions of pounds sunk the Living Wage Foundation
Northbrook College have
into the central Brighton and for all contracted-out
deteriorated, in terms of
site it’s as if Northbrook services to be brought
both quality of teaching and
has been penalised for back in-house. We await
finance. Ofsted says we now
the failings of its enforced the recommendations
‘require improvement’ and
merged management. from the Association
the FE Commissioner has put
of Colleges (AoC)*.
us under formal intervention. Alleged policy breaches
With more colleges
“Our acting chief “We’re also concerned the than ever experiencing
executive Andy Green college is in danger of financial difficulties due
(Chichester College) along breaching its own policies, to this government’s
with a re-vamped board of especially in the area of pay lack of investment in FE
governors are working hard protection. The explanations over the past decade, it is
under difficult circumstances for these policy breaches hard to see how we’ll be
to turn things around. This do not ease our concerns. able to rise to the skills
would be difficult enough Although the first phase shortage this country is
under normal circumstances, of restructure affects currently experiencing.”
but factor in losses and only upper management,
expenses from Covid the subsequent phases *see page 19join.unison.org.uk 19
FE unions outraged at pay offer
Trade unions representing staff in English teaching staff and introduce
further education (FE) colleges have slammed the foundation living wage.
the decision by the Association of Colleges (AoC) UNISON head of
to only offer a 1% pay increase to staff. education Jon Richards said:
In a joint pay claim submitted what employers spent this “College leaders had made
in October, the unions on instead of investing in clear promises that staff
(UNISON, UCU, NEU, Unite and staff. The unions believe that would get a substantial pay
GMB) made clear that college only full transparency into rise this year. But they’ve
staff had suffered a real-terms where the money was spent simply ripped these up and
pay cut of 30% since 2009 with will give staff the answers raided the wage pot to foot
over 24,000 teaching staff they need. Unions also called the bill for the pandemic.
leaving the sector. on employers to publicly “Pay in the FE sector is
This year colleges saw a commit to working towards simply too low and this offer
significant £224m increase closing the £7000 pay gap yet again ignores the value of
in funding, yet it is unclear between school and college college staff.”
Wigan & Leigh rehab
workers win strike
Drug and alcohol support workers employed by ‘We Are With You’
(WAWY) – formerly Addaction – in Wigan and Leigh have announced
the end of a long-running trade dispute with their employer.
WAWY had promised pay would keep pace with NHS ‘agenda for change’
pay rates, but the charity failed to keep its promise once NHS staff
received a pay rise in 2018. The victory comes more than 15 months
after the first strike, involving 30 rehab workers (many of them UNISON
members ) who had been transferred from the NHS to WAWY.
In December, they formally ended their dispute after agreeing
a new settlement. The campaign included 26 strike days.
UNISON North West regional organiser Paddy Cleary said:
“This dispute is a fantastic example of what can be achieved
when workers stand up together. The legacy of this struggle
is that this group of workers have found their voice and now
have the right to negotiate collectively with their employer.
In a further boost, the central arbitration committee recently
declared UNISON to be the recognised union for the workers.
This decision means that from now on WAWY will be forced to
negotiate collectively with the support workers through UNISON.
The West Sussex branch committee agreed a donation of £500
to the WAWY strike fund to support their important dispute.20 Branch Secretary: DAN SARTIN • Branch Lines Editor: GRAHAM ANDERSON • Feedback: office@unisonwestsussex.org.uk • Phone: 01243 777636
UNISON Covid-19
response fund
UNISON members have been among
those facing the daily battle with the
pandemic – not just in their work
keeping our vital services going, but
also on a personal and domestic front.
UNISON’s ‘There for You’ unique welfare
charity has opened a Covid-19 response
fund to help members who are struggling
as a direct result of coronavirus.
The fund’s first round ran from May
to July and distributed over £250,000
in grants to individual members,
including many in West Sussex.
Join us!
Grants of up to £500 will be made If you’re reading this newsletter and
available to help members struggling are not a member of UNISON West
financially as a result of coronavirus. Sussex, please think about joining us!
These can support with day-to-day We’re a very active and busy branch, working
living costs: for example, if you or your hard to support our members individually
partner are furloughed or shielding when times get tough and collectively when
and relying on statutory sick pay. there are negotiations needed to get the best
They can help you through loss of deal for members.
working hours, or towards housing You’ll be joining 6,000 other local
costs like rent, mortgage or council tax members benefiting from our support.
arrears that have accrued since March. Membership is not expensive and is adjusted
For more information or to apply, to reflect your income level. There are also
go to unison.org.uk and search many other benefits available. To find out
‘Covid 19 response fund’. more, simply go to join.unison.org.uk
“Thank you so much
for the Zoom meeting, Thank “I was successful
in being awarded
I found it very useful!
Good to know there
is plenty of help if we
you the grant from
UNISON towards my
university studies
need it. UNISON was “A big thank you and X for of £500. I can now
brilliant when I needed the meeting. You have purchase a much-
help before. Fingers given me some useful needed laptop and
crossed the next few pointers to raise with my a comfy office chair.
weeks go smoothly!” employers.” Thank you.”
Branch Lines is printed on FSC certified paper www.unisonwestsussex.org.uk • WS31043(A) 01.2021You can also read
