Nexus of a crisis

Some of the national services offices have recently seen a new software programme called NEXUS installed that has led to the employer changing how affected members’ daily schedules are calculated. Previously, due to the way that the system worked, they were scheduled for 37.5 hrs a week instead of 37 hours, meaning that staff would automatically accrue flexi time as a result. This has been in operation for around the last seven years and members are accustomed to it and plan their working week around it.

However, last month, with the new NEXUS programme being introduced, the employer decided that they would reduce the time worked automatically to 37 hours, removing the 30-minute flexi credit.

The employer stated that this would not have a detrimental effect on members as they would still be able to work the additional time if they wished, however it appears that there are some issues that have arisen for members on the back of this change. Principally some offices are continuing to operate 37.5 hours as before, while others are asking staff to request flexi hours and then not granting them. A further concern has been raised that members are not able to plan when shorter or longer shifts are scheduled, causing issues for childcare and caring arrangements.

PCS is now speaking to the employer to arrange meetings with affected members and to meet with the management team to pass on our concerns and issues arising in order to ensure that the changes work for both members and the employer.

If you wish to raise a concern or would like further information on how the new scheduling process impacts you, please contact Martyn Collins