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Focus on you - DVLA

25 June 2009

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 Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency?

What is the best thing about working at the DVLA?

As corny as it sounds, it has to be the people; they are loyal, supportive and great team players.

In terms of our working conditions, we have pretty good leave and flexi-time arrangements but are finding it increasingly difficult to take time off when we want it due to rising workloads.

What are the main issues facing members in the DVLA?

Like most civil servants we are struggling with low pay, draconian sick absence polices, increasing stress levels and the threat of constant reviews. We also have more work and fewer staff than in the past.

On top of all this we face the additional pressure of a new reporting system that has introduced very rigid work targets and difficult-to-achieve objectives. There is also the threat of potential office closures following a review of local services.

What are DVLA members’ top priorities over the coming months?

To coincide with this year’s pay round we will be stepping up our ongoing campaign for equal pay in the Department for Transport and taking a number of equal pay cases.

We will also be pressing for changes to the DVLA’s reporting and sick absence systems and guarantees on job security.

Can you tell us about any recent successes?

Our two greatest successes are our efforts to re-invigorate the union within the agency and develop our equal pay campaign for the Department for Transport.

In addition, we are fighting management’s plans to roll out a scheme to fine people for being off sick for more than four days in any 12 month period.

We have also seen off proposals to calculate our basic pay according to the mark we receive in our performance appraisal, thereby securing pay progression for all staff.

Are there any practical ways readers can support DVLA staff?

We would urge PCS members to keep an eye on our website www.pcs.org.uk/dft as this includes regular reports on our campaigns and suggests ways people can show their support for DVLA staff.

What does the DVLA do?

The DVLA is best known for providing drivers with an updated tax disc for their vehicle. But we do much more than that.

PCS members support law enforcement by maintaining an up-to date register of drivers and vehicles. We also help to deliver a wide range of road safety initiatives in conjunction with the Department for Transport, of which we are an executive agency.

We also play a major role in crime prevention and crime reduction through enforcement, prosecution and intelligence gathering.

Our customers include the public, vehicle dealers, traders in personalised number plates and vehicle importers.

We have over 7,000 staff operating from offices around the country, including an headquarters in Swansea, 39 local offices, 12 enforcement centres and an unlicensed vehicle hotline centre.
 

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