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Examiner in charge

As you know, PCS have registered disagreement with the Agency on the issue of payments to Examiners in Charge (EIC). There will be a final meeting to seek to resolve this matter on 9 June. However, given the kind of responses we have had so far from management on the issue, I have to say I am not hopeful of resolving the matter informally. We will update members following the meeting.


Sick dismissals

Following a previous ETA about increasing numbers of long term sick absence related dismissals, members who are on sick leave following accidents on test have been writing to me. I have now identified up to 40 cases where management may move to dismiss.

During PCS conference week a case conference was set up with Thompsons Solicitors to address this serious issue and determine the best way to deploy the Union’s resources to defend our members.

We have therefore drafted a letter for reps to send to DSA and Health Management Doctors to ensure that the Agency complies with its duties under the Disability Discrimination Act and where they do not, seek explanations why they have not made reasonable adjustments.

It is vitally important that members seek PCS Rep advice on any sickness related issues at an early stage especially in cases of long term sickness.

Variances

PCS were content to support the introduction of Chi-squared to measure variances. However we made it clear to S&R that we did not expect it to be used to beat examiners over the head. It was agreed therefore that line managers would use chi as an indicator and consider measured and appropriate action. Instead, some Managers (in the South Area this time) are interfering with TCM’s measured responses to variance issues.

It seems that every time we have a crisis in DSA, these “cannons” that are carefully constrained most of the time, rattle loose from their straightjackets and begin charging around their sectors turning a crisis into a full blown disaster. I do not know the colour of the sky on the planets these individuals inhabit, but perhaps they and their line managers should ask themselves if they really think that leadership is best demonstrated by being regarded by their staff as the elephant in the room? Does Senior DSA management really think that this management style helps to improve the appalling results of the last staff survey, improve our sick absence, reduce the level of grievances or help retain staff in a climate of no recruitment?

Review of motorcycle test

Ministers have today announced a review of the current motorcycle test and interested parties have been invited to make representations by 31 July. M/C examiners are therefore invited to let us know what you think so that we may reflect your views in the PCS response. Contact me directly or email George Minns (Burgess Hill MPTC) or Peter Coughlan (Gillingham MPTC) as soon as possible.

Review of vocational test content

VOSA are looking to move vehicle testing to Approved Testing Facilities usually contained within haulier’s or repairers premises. This may mean the wholesale closure of sites that DSA share with VOSA. As a result there will be implications for vocational testing & DSA is looking at the content of vocational tests in light of these developments. PCS will scrutinise any proposals that emerge which could impact on road safety and respond accordingly, meanwhile we would welcome vocational examiners views on assessment issues or standards applied to LGV/PCV tests. All responses will be treated as confidential.
 

 

Regards, The ETA Editorial Team.