Public and Commercial Services Union

Our union has received numerous enquiries regarding rumours concerning job cuts and saving measures to be implemented in the Defence vetting agency (DVA).

PCS is now seeking clarification and information to establish the validity of the rumours. So far our union have not received any firm answers to our questions, although we are aware that there is a briefing for staff on 14 May 09. PCS reps will be in attendance at this briefing.

At present however, PCS has neither been consulted nor been involved in any decisions regarding cuts or change activity in DVA.

Whilst it is fair to assume that DVA management are planning to make efficiency savings, any post reductions are neither confirmed nor even subject to discussion at the present. Therefore any rumours that you may hear should be treated as idle gossip or speculation from management.

We will be making clear to management that this must stop.

Next steps

Management cancelled, at short notice, the agency Whitley scheduled for 12 May and this has now been rescheduled for 22 June.

We will, of course, be raising member’s queries and concerns before that meeting. To enable us to do this I would be grateful if members could contact me as soon as possible if:

• You have been told that your post is to be cut.
• You have been told that where you work is being reorganised.
• Line management have given you other ‘informal’ warnings about likely future changes.

Our union would also be grateful if you could go back to the individual who gave you this information and ask them to put this in writing to you. Please forward Paul Barnsley, MoD group secretary a copy of your line managers reply at paulba@pcs.org.uk.

MoD/DVA job cuts

As you will be aware the Chancellor recently announced in the Budget that MoD will be required to make new efficiency savings totalling £3.15 billion over the next three years. MoD plans to make some of these savings in what it calls corporate services (DVA is classed as a corporate service by the employer).

The MoD corporate services steering group has been set up to deliver this and this group has begun to meet. DVA is represented by your chief executive. PCS is also represented on this group.

Whilst no firm decisions have yet been taken in respect of DVA – as far as we know – it is clear that DVA will be required by MoD to make significant efficiency savings. It is also clear that the majority of these savings will be achieved by job cuts.

PCS is seeking to ensure that at the same time as efficiency savings targets are agreed that the employer also draws up ‘impact statements’ setting out what the consequences are for service delivery, staff morale etc.

We will also be insisting on full informal and formal consultation and an agreement with DVA guaranteeing no PCS member is made redundant against their wishes. DVA will therefore be expected to fully comply with the national agreement that PCS has with the Cabinet Office.

This is a critical time and it is important that we recruit new members to the PCS. It would be appreciated if you could speak to any non members working in your area. If you require any recruitment forms and/or PCS material please contact Paul Barnsley, MoD group secretary on the above email address or the PCS representatives within DVA, who will be able to assist you.