PCS members at Ofwat sign open letter marking a year of uncertainty
A year after plans were announced to replace Ofwat with a new ‘super regulator’, PCS members still face uncertainty about their future.
Last year, the Independent Water Commission recommended that Ofwat be abolished and its functions brought together with parts of DEFRA, Natural England and the Environment Agency in a new-super regulator for the water industry.
Alongside this, it recommended that, because of “the potential to create significant uncertainty…the UK and Welsh governments [should] produce transition plans.”
The UK government accepted both recommendations, however a year later the transition plan has still not been published. This has led to a formal trade dispute in Ofwat on a number of core workforce issues, including the lack of suitable assurances around terms and conditions, job security, and wider working conditions in the context of the transition to a new regulator.
In the letter from PCS members to Angela Eagle, the secretary of state for environment, food and rural affairs, the members state:
“We recognise the importance of reforming the water sector to deliver better outcomes for customers, the environment and the long-term resilience of the system. The skills and knowledge of staff in existing regulators will be essential in ensuring a successful transition, and a strong new regulator.”
But they note that:
“We remain deeply concerned that we still do not have sufficient clarity, reassurance or engagement for the workforce expected to deliver these reforms. Our members are anxious and increasingly frustrated.”
The letter has been signed by over 80% of PCS members at Ofwat, showing the strength of feeling and determination among members to stand united and take action on this issue.
PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said: “Our members have waited long enough for certainty about their future and shouldn’t have to resort to writing open letters to ministers. The government must now provide the clarity and certainty needed to protect staff and ensure a smooth transition, and to give PCS members the assurances they deserve on job security, pay and conditions, as well as a genuine commitment to involving staff in shaping the new regulator.”
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