From the Editor

The group executive committee is demanding 30,000 more staff, hybrid working and low pay in DWP remain issues. DWP group president Martin Cavanagh writes about these issues in his President’s Column.

This edition comes after annual general meeting (AGM) season, where branches will have elected their delegates for group conference and annual conference (ADC) alongside putting forward trainee delegates for consideration. Saul Cahill, young members’ officer for PCS DWP north east England region, writes about his experiences as a trainee delegate for group and ADC.

Last year PCS won concessions from the government including doubling the pay remit offer, the one-off £1,500 payment and the guarantee of no changes to the CSCS. NEC member Liz Mcgachey writes about the importance of the current ballot including the PCS demands for 2024 pay and how everyone deserves a meaningful pay rise.

Being an elected union rep is an important role when representing members. Whilst reps are not looking for praise or thanks, it is welcome to hear positive feedback from members. We have two examples of unsung heroes in our DWP group, Lynne Gash-Quantralle and Davina Camadoo.

This will be the last edition of the Voice before group elections take place. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the GEC for asking me to step-up as acting group editor. The reason for this is the elected incumbent, Sam Johnston, had to take a step back for personal reasons. I would like to thank Sam for his hard work over the years as group editor. I have enjoyed the role, and hope whoever takes over does too.