MPs attend emergency roundtable on Capita

Fran Heathcote and Martin Cavanagh today (17) attended an emergency roundtable in Westminster to brief MPs on the ongoing Capita pensions crisis, as well as raising members' concerns regarding the recently awarded payroll contract, also given to Capita, which will affect tens of thousands of PCS members.

 

It was confirmed in early March that Capita was the successful bidder for the almost £1billion shared services contract, spanning 10 years, covering payroll services for members in DWP, Home Office, MoJ and EFRA as well as dozens of arms length bodies. The award was confirmed despite the ongoing crisis affecting civil service pensions, currently administered by Capita, which has seen thousands of retired civil servants go months without their pensions due to delays in the system and mishandling of the contract by Capita and previous provider, MyCSP.

 

PCS has continuously briefed MPs and peers regarding the pensions crisis, however MPs were shocked to discover that the Labour government, which committed to the biggest wave of insourcing, has once again outsourced a key service to a company which is struggling under the strain of an existing contract.

 

Speaking at today's meeting, PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said "We have members changing their retirement plans because they are fearful that they won't receive any money. This situation cannot be allowed to continue. We believed Labour when they committed to insourcing of vital services, yet today we are discussing the opposite."

 

Raising the union's concerns in relation to the payroll contract, national president Martin Cavanagh told MPs that "PCS members are fearful. Not only are they witnessing complete failure with their pensions, but they are now facing a continued shambles in relation to their payroll. It is laughable that Capita is being rewarded for failure."

 

MPs in attendance included John McDonnell, Ian Lavery, Lorraine Beavers, Andy McDonald, Graham Leadbitter, Ann Davies and Lord Bryn Davies. They have committed to raising these issues as a matter of urgency with relevant ministers and it is hoped PCS will host a joint union event in Westminster on outsourcing in early April.

 

PCS has written to Pat McFadden, secretary of state for DWP, demanding an urgent meeting to discuss the recently awarded contract. 

 

Members (and non-members) can support the campaign by signing our e-action to ask your MP to get involved and ask the government to reconsider its decision.