PCS members raise their concerns at meeting ahead of Senedd election

Concerns about jobs, pensions and public services were highlighted in a meeting joined by more than 350 PCS members ahead of the Senedd election on 7 May.

The meeting on Monday (13) and was attended by PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote, national president Martyn Cavanagh and Dom Houlihan, Welsh Government director of people and places. Some members attended in person at Cathays Park, while others joined online.

The meeting was chaired by Steph Landeryou, president of the PCS Wales devolved group.

Opening remarks focused on the uncertainty members are facing in the run-up to the election and questions about what government will be formed in Cardiff Bay after polling day.

Key issues raised by members

Members asked questions on a wide range of workplace issues, including:

  • workforce size
  • job security
  • strategic workforce planning
  • office attendance
  • smart working
  • employer capacity
  • organisational values
  • and equality, diversity and inclusion.

Concerns were also raised about workloads, Senedd expansion, digital support and the impact that commitments made in some party manifestos could have on the size, structure and terms of the civil service in Wales.

Pensions and the Welsh language

Pension security and long-term protections were a major focus, particularly for members close to or considering retirement. Members welcomed the work PCS has been doing in response to the ongoing Capita pensions administration issues.

The meeting also discussed Welsh language provision and concerns about potential threats to bilingual public services.

Making an informed choice

Fran Heathcote outlined how the political parties’ manifestos compare with the PCS Cymru manifesto and encouraged members to question candidates using PCS Cymru resources.

She stressed that PCS is not telling members how to vote but supporting them to make an informed choice in the election.

Your vote can make a difference

You have a voice in Cymru’s future, Dweud eich Dweud.

You can find all election materials including our manifesto and A5 leaflets to download, on PCS Knowledge. All materials are available in English and Welsh. Please use these to publicise the PCS Cymru manifesto and use the e-action to send it to the candidates standing in your constituency. Please forward any responses you get from candidates to [email protected]

We have made a video about our campaign for better funding for the heritage and culture sector. You can watch it on YouTube in Welsh or in English.

You can read this page in Welsh by using the translation function in the accessibility tools of the website.