Public and Commercial Services Union

PCS Kent, Surrey & Sussex (KSS) Branch have had success in getting Instructional Officers who were wrongly employed at the lower entry point uplifted to the higher entry point. This has resulted in these IO’s receiving back pay for the error.

For a long period of time South Eastern Area in conjunction with the Shared Services Centre were automatically using the lower entry point when recruiting new Instructional Officers.

Despite arguments to the contrary, on the part of PCS local reps and the Branch Secretary, management of the Sheppey cluster argued that they were entitled to advertise the post at the lower level “as a starting wage”.

PCS reps argued their case based on the protocol contained within Annex ‘A’ of NTS 31/98 which was issued as part of the information covering the pay deal at that time. Reference to this document was disputed as it was only kept on the computerised system for one year and as a consequence was not followed.

PCS Branch Officials did however have a hard copy which was used to support members’ grievances. Correspondence and meetings followed with various levels of management who eventually conceded that a mistake had been made, apologised and promised to rectify the problem. The error had been made when the positions were originally advertised, and the affected IO’s would receive back pay. The net result of this work was that members received payments ranging from £4000 - £18000 in wages owed.

Despite this victory though it is still necessary to keep an eye on advertisements put out to the local press, as, soon after this an advertisement had to be withdrawn from circulation having been released with the wrong wage stated!

As a result other cases in the area are now under review.

Any queries about this issue – contact me directly:

Malcolm Young
PCS KSS Branch Chairperson

Email: Malcolm Young

The success of PCS, on all issues, depends on:

• High membership level
• Well organised workplaces
• An active membership that is prepared to support our elected representatives.

As an Instructional Officer if you would like to become active within with our union or if you would like further information on the PCS NPIOG please contact me directly.

Richard Hill
PCS NPIOG Secretary

Email: Richard Hill