Public and Commercial Services Union

General information about PCS

The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) is a member-centred, modern trade union. We were formed, in March 1998, from a merger of the former CPSA and PTC unions and are, now, one of the largest trade unions in the U.K.

We represent staff working in the civil service; in central government departments; in former government departments, now known as agencies; and, in some private-sector companies. Nationwide, we have an expanding membership of over a quarter of a million members working in wide range of jobs.

Our headquarters staff work from a four-storey office building at Clapham Junction. We also also have another office building in London - at Victoria. We have smaller regional offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, Liverpool, Leeds, Birmingham, Peterborough, Cardiff and Exeter.

The work of PCS employees is ultimately determined by the union membership. However, the national executive committee (NEC), a body that is elected by the members in a postal ballot every year, is the voice of the membership. This committee liaises with the senior full-time officers to ensure that the work of the union is developed and effectively carried out.

The senior full-time officers, as the senior management team, oversee the work of the HQ bargaining units, the policy departments, the HQ administrative and support service departments and the regional centres.
 

Our HQ bargaining units are:
Industrial department 1
Home sector; justice and prosecutions; commercial sector; Revenue and Customs

Industrial department 2
Health and welfare groups; defence; and trade groups

Industrial department 3
Devolved areas – Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland; transport; environment and communities

English regions
Eastern; London and south east; midlands; north west; northern; south west; Yorkshire and the Humber.

Staff work closely, on a day-to-day basis, with the local union branches, lay representatives and members.

Issues that involve the membership as a whole are dealt with by the policy departments. Staff in these departments deal with communications (including several regular magazines); equality; health and safety; research and information; and campaigning. Other headquarters departments deal with finance; information technology; membership services; legal services; learning and organising; membership records; balloting; administration; and printing and despatch.

The personnel and facilities department which includes accommodation, office services, catering, cleaning and security provides internal services to the 300 plus employees.
 

Your career and benefits

Salaries

All staff are placed on the pay spine according to their type of work. Incremental progression is on an annual basis. The spine is up-rated annually in August, in line with a formula linked to the pay deals negotiated for our members. Salaries are paid on the 15th of each month directly to bank accounts.

Pensions

On appointment, staff can be placed a pension scheme. This is a contributory scheme. Pensions can be transferred, if appropriate. Staff receive an annual statement of their pension details. There are arrangements for staff to join a stakeholder scheme.

Main conditions of service and employment policies

PCS has generous and up-to-date conditions of service. The GMB union represents PCS employees and all staff are encouraged to join. There are joint consultative; health and safety; training; and equality and diversity committees, all of which meet regularly. Policies on recruitment and selection; health and safety; discipline; grievance and capability; sickness absence; and staff training have been introduced. Other policies, including on equal opportunities, are being revised.

Staff benefits

Family-friendly policies include: childcare support for staff; flexible working hours; career breaks; and paid paternity leave

Annual leave

30 days for all staff. The annual leave year is from 1 January to 31 December. In addition, there are three PCS concessionary days and one privilege day.

Access to membership services

All staff receive a PCS diary and have access to the range of services offered to PCS members - financial advice, insurance, mortgages, legal advice, etc.

Staff training

All staff are encouraged to undertake training, for which time and financial support are available. Newly appointed staff follow a planned induction training programme carried out by their line manager. In-house training courses are provided and staff are encouraged to participate in external events. Staff can also make use of the PCS learning centre.

Staff welfare

The personnel department, based at Clapham HQ, can help staff with any work-related or personal problems. All staff have access to a NHS Plus occupational health scheme.