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Focus on you - Land Registry

25 January 2010

PCS members work in hundreds of different government departments, agencies and private sector companies but we often struggle with the same issues. Each month we ask a different group of members What’s it like working at the… Land Registry?

What is the best thing about working for the Land Registry?

We work with loyal, skilled and committed people, many of whom have worked for the agency for 20-plus years.

Traditionally it has been like working in a closeknit family but this is increasingly under threat as management attacks our terms and conditions and cuts jobs and services.

What are the main issues facing members in the Land Registry?

Management has threatened to close a quarter of our offices and cut around 1,100 jobs. There are also plans to outsource a further 400 members working in facilities and 14 regional file stores across England.

Even if members are not affected by this tranche of proposals they could still be vulnerable to a second phase of office closures after 2011.

There are also plans to change our working processes which could lead to a lot more pressure.

What are the top priorities for Land Registry members over the next few months?

Members are campaigning to protect offices and guard against compulsory redundancies, privatisation and new working practices which could lead to extra stress. We are also calling for the Registry to remain in the public sector.

Clearly all of these issues are going to be key priorities over the coming months.

We have launched a major political campaign to persuade management to reverse its plans and are building support among customers, the public and various bodies with an interest in the future of the Land Registry.

Our ‘Alternative vision’ for the agency, which we launched last month, underpins our campaign and sets out a way forward for the agency based on public service.

After 150 years of land registration less than 70% of land in England and Wales is on the public register. By allowing our members to get on with completing the register we believe there will beno need to cut jobs or close offices.

Most importantly though, the main thrust of our campaign is focused on getting our members active, whether that be through lobbying their MPs, attending meetings or, as a last resort, voting for and supporting industrial action.

Can you tell us about any recent successes?

PCS membership has gone up across the group as staff become increasingly aware that we are the only body capable of defending jobs, offices and working conditions.

Are there any practical ways readers can support Land Registry staff?

We are encouraging people to visit the Land Registry web pages at www.pcs.org.uk/lr to learn more about our campaigns and sign ourpetition against management’s plans at http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Landregistrycuts

What does the Land Registry do?

The Land Registry’s work gives homeowners peace of mind and supports the housing market and economy.

We keep a register of title to freehold and leasehold land throughout England and Wales, guarantee title to registered estates and interests in land and hold information that can help the public with issues such as boundary disputes with neighbours.

 

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