CIRC 032: NATIONAL CHAIR UPDATE APRIL 2023

National Chair Update APRIL 2023

 

Please bring the contents of this circular to the attention of all POA members.

Violence in the YCS Estate

I have written to the Secretary of State for Justice (now Alex Chalk MP) requesting that he approves the immediate roll out of PAVA in the under 18 YCS estate. A copy of the letter is enclosed with this Circular.

Staff Fitness test

HMPPS have extended the pause to the annual staff fitness test for those staff required to take it because they joined the service after April 2001. This is to allow the review of the test to continue. It is highly unlikely that the test will be reintroduced before the end of 2023. Staff who are subject to a fitness test because of their Specialism (e.g., Tornado staff) will continue to be tested.

PRISON SERVICE PAY REVIEW BODY 2023 ENGLAND AND WALES REPORT

The PRB have concluded oral evidence with all the parties and confirm that they are working towards submitting their 2023 England and Wales report to the Government in June this year. They hope this should provide sufficient time for the Government to consider their recommendations and to publish their report prior to the Parliamentary Summer Recess period. 

NHS PAY OFFER – MERSEYCARE TRUST/NOTTINGHAMSHIRE TRUST

The results of the statutory ballot showed an overwhelming rejection of the pay offer which has been imposed by NHS Employers. However, in order for the POA to have been able to take industrial action over 50% of members needed to have voted and this did not occur in either Trust.

INDUSTRIAL ACTION BALLOT –

POA TRADE DISPUTE WITH MERSEY CARE NHS FOUNDATION TRUST

Number of individuals who were entitled to vote in the ballot - 524

Number of votes cast in the ballot - 221

Votes cast in the ballot as a % of individuals who were entitled to vote - 42.18%

ARE YOU PREPARED TO TAKE PART IN STRIKE ACTION?

Number of spoilt or otherwise invalid voting papers returned - 0

Result of Voting Yes - 211 (95.48%)

No 10 (4.52%)

INDUSTRIAL ACTION BALLOT - POA TRADE DISPUTE WITH NOTTINGHAMSHIRE HEALTHCARE NHS FOUNDATION TRUST

Number of individuals who were entitled to vote in the ballot - 441

Number of votes cast in the ballot - 154

Votes cast in the ballot as a % of individuals who were entitled to vote - 34.92%

ARE YOU PREPARED TO TAKE PART IN STRIKE ACTION?

Number of spoilt or otherwise invalid voting papers returned - 0

Result of Voting Yes - 127 (82.47%)

No - 27 (17.53%)

Cost cap Appeal

The POA, along with PCS, FBU, GMB, RCN and Unite filed for a joint Judicial Review in relation to the excessive contributions our members make within our pension schemes. We are looking, amongst other challenges, to force the Government to allow a 2 per cent cut in pension contributions, initially promised as part of the 2016 valuations, to go ahead. During the Hearing the case was lost. The NEC have agreed to Appeal this decision, as have all other interested parties. We await the outcome of the leave to Appeal.

Voluntary Exit Scheme for Non-Operational staff in HQ

HMPPS have announced a voluntary exit scheme for all departmental staff not delivering direct services to the public. These staff work in an office environment and will not encounter prisoners / people on probation and those moving through the criminal justice system as part of their day-to-day work.​ Frontline staff who deal with prisoners are not included in this offer.

POA Scotland

Eddie Cruse, HMP Polmont has been elected to the SNC and takes up post at the close of Conference. He replaces Willie Carle who retires at the close of Conference. 

Northern Ireland

POA members should note that there is now a ‘heightened’ risk to Prison staff due to an increase in terrorist activity amongst dissidents. Prison Officers have directly received threats. All members are asked to send their solidarity to our colleagues who work in the Northern Ireland Prison Service.

POA Confidential Stress & Counselling Phoneline

The POA have a confidential telephone helpline offering a Free service to members suffering from stress and in need of support. If you are affected by stress and would like to get help and support, call 0800 107 6585. Lines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Members also have access to the Health Assured portal if they prefer not to talk to someone. The portal contains lots of wellbeing resources and emotional health support. The portal can be access by logging in to the following link https://healthassuredeap.co.uk/

 

PENSION CHALLENGE: THE 2015 PENSION SCHEMES AND AGE DISCRIMINATION

You will be aware that with the assistance of Ivan Walker of Walkers Solicitors we have filed Employment Tribunal proceedings for members who were transferred from the Principal Civil Service Pension Scheme to the Alpha Scheme between 2015 and 2022, in circumstances where an entitlement to compensation for injury to feelings has been established. In total, 4,219 claims have been made. Ivan Walker told us earlier this year that he intended to retire on 31^st March, and he has been assisting us with identifying other Solicitors who will be able to take these cases on. That has proved to be a little more complex than anticipated, but we are happy to say that Thompsons Solicitors have agreed to take over. Ivan Walker has agreed to delay his retirement until the end of June to assist with the transition.

Please be assured these claims will be progressed as swiftly as possible. If any claimant informed Ivan Walker before 12^th March that they wish to accept the offer that is on the table, their details have already been passed on to the Government Legal Department for cross-checking and processing. Mr. Walker will continue to pass on members’ details in the same way for any later acceptances before Thompsons take on the task. Organising the handover has caused a short delay in recent weeks, but we hope and expect that the settlement process will proceed as quickly and smoothly as possible.

 

All the best.

Mark Fairhurst
National Chair

Attachments

• POA Circular 032-2023 - National Chair Update April 2023 docx.pdf

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