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Facility time allocations 2009/10

Background

We have been in discussion with the official side regarding the facility time allocation for the year 2009/10 starting from 1st April. Our starting point has been to seek the same allocation as in 2008/9 on the basis that almost all branches used all the time allocated to them (and of course many have struggled within that allocation!).

Unfortunately the official side advise us that they are not yet in a position to make a detailed proposal on facility time and as such have not been able to engage with us as we had hoped. They have though made their position clear in that they are looking for cuts in our current facility time allocation.

So what is happening?

The official side have agreed that there will be a roll over of the allocations from last year for the first three months of the year.

We realise this is difficult for branches as it means you will have to plan in two separate blocks as we simply don’t know what the allocations might be after this period. It does though at least allow some scope for planning.

We will continue with negotiations in this three month period with a view to trying to reach agreement on the allocation to apply for the rest of the year. This will not be easy given the official side declared expectation of cuts at a time when we are fully using all the time allocated to us.

Action

Branches should plan for the next three months and allocate time accordingly whilst being prepared to adjust individual allocations in light of any final branch allocations to follow.