Conference notes that the issue of pensions has never been so much in the public eye, with widespread concern about the ability of schemes to deliver security in retirement. Conference further notes that Energy members belong to a number of different pensions schemes, which have different terms and conditions. Conference welcomes the fact that some […]
Conference motions
Conference notes with concern the deepening crisis in the electricity sector of the liberalised energy market. This has been demonstrated by 1.The near financial collapse of British Energy which has required the Government to provide guarantees to creditors and institute emergency legislation to ensure the continued operation of the company. 2.The financial difficulties faced by […]
There are an increasing number of utility companies either looking at or now using overseas call centres to resource work that has previously been carried out within the UK. Many of these call centres are being set up in the Far East where the annual salary is £2000 compared to the £12000 paid in the […]
Conference notes with concern the recent report published by Mitial research which claims that one third of Britain’s call centres will close by 2005, due to a predicted exodus of contracts to emerging markets such as India and South Africa. Conference also recognises that Energywatch and Ofgem intend to focus on customer response times this […]
The Employment Bill 2003 introduced a whole host of welcome changes to Working Terms and Conditions. In particular it introduces the right for employees to request a change to working hours based upon child-care needs. This is a positive step in securing flexible working arrangements for our members. However, in order to ensure that UNISON […]
We note with concern the proposals currently being considered by this ‘Socialist Government’ that employees may be permitted to work to 70 in order to provide adequate pension provisions for their retirement! This comes against a background of over 200 companies closing their final salary scheme in 2002 alone, and the knowledge that Energy Companies […]
The ruling determined by the House of Lords, that the Electricity Supply Pension Schemes had discriminated against part-timers by denying them access to the pension scheme, means that may UNISON members will see their pensions fully restored. This is undoubtedly excellent news, but requires positive action by our Employers. As this action is not forthcoming, […]
As a result of the Police Reform Bill there is every likelihood police officers will be redeployed into support staff posts as an alternative to ill health retirements. Conference calls on the Service Group Executive to formulate policy and advice to branches to ensure this practice doesn ot have a detrimental effect on support staff […]
Conference is concerned at the perceived number of police officers who are employed in police staff roles upon their retirement without having gone through any selection process. This practice if true causes concern and possibly breaches force equal opportunities policies/procedures. Conferences instructs the SGE to provide advice, guidance and support to branches with regard to […]
Conference Welcomes: ·the attention which the PSSC Handbook review has focussed on the tripartite relationship in respect ofpolice staff ·the publication of the APA’s “People Matters” HR Strategy ·the Home Office commitment to raise the status and training of police staff in a police reform environment ·· However, Conference is concerned that the respective responsibilities […]
Conference notes the ties with international forces enjoyed by forces and the support networks such as the Black Police Association. Conference considers that similar ties with like minded bodies to be of great value to the Service group for the purpose of international solidarity and the sharing of good practice. As a young service group […]
Conference understands and supports the close ties between UNISON and the Labour party and would wish to strengthen those ties. Conference also recognises the important role that the other two main political parties have with regard to the police service. Conference believes that key speakers from the Conservative Party and the Liberal Democrat Party be […]
Conference notes with concern the creeping privatisation of police services through PFI, Best Value, outsourcing and the increasing use of private agency staff. Conference notes in particular: 1)the fragmentation of police services that this privatisation is causing, particularly when outsourcing takes place at BCU level; 2)the lack of Best Value methodology being applied to some […]
That this Conference instructs the Service Group Executive to investigate and make recommendations as to the definition of the term ‘exigencies’ in the Police Support Staff Council Handbook and/or similarly seeks an alternative word or phrase which brings clarity and removes ambiguity from its intention. This work should also run in parallel with the review […]
Conference condemns the proposals of ACPO to introduce service confidence procedures into the police service. The proposals suggest that staff can have punitive measures taken against them without the right to a fair hearing or knowing the nature of the allegations. Conference believes this to be unacceptable. Conference believes that all staff have the right […]