Vulnerability Letters & Consultation: Your questions answered.
Q1 I have received a Vulnerability Letter. What do I need to do next?
Write to Graham White (Head of HR) and ask for answers to the following
- Why have you personally been selected as being vulnerable for redundancy?
- If others in your team have been assimilated or identifies as being moved to another team, why have you been treated differently?
- How many other people in my team been given letters and why were they selected?
- Has my team been assessed under the Equality Impact Assessment? If so, when? Request a copy of the assessment.
Q2 I don't think that the selection process for identifying those being selected has been fair. What can I do about it?
Write to Graham White and your Director with a brief outlines of your concerns. Ask them to explain how the selection process was carried out and how teams / people have been selected. If you are selected for redundancy and other people in the same circumstances have not been selected, your selection may be unfair and you will need to lodge a grievance. Please contact your shop steward for advice in preparing your grievance.
Q3 No one has told me what is happening and my manager has not met with me to explain the process. What can I do?
A You are entitled to individual consultation. If you do not receive individual consultation you will need to lodge a grievance as you may have an action at the Employment Tribunal. Please contact your shop steward for advice in preparing your grievance.
Q4 I've never been asked for my views or suggestions. Should I have been involved in the consultation process?
A You personally should be consulted early enough by your manager to allow meaningful discussion on whether redundancy is necessary at all. If you have receive a vulnerability letter, your selection may be unfair and you will need to lodge a grievance.
Q5 What is UNISON doing about the letters and the consultation problems?
A We are about to issue a formal dispute notice against WCC for failure to meaningfully consult with the Trade Unions, as detailed information has been with held from our negotiators despite assurances that we will be kept fully informed throughout the informal 1st 90 days.
We will also be contesting the alleged consultation process with the Secretary of State, as the BERR report which was submitted by WCC ticks the "trade unions have been consulted" box.
Full updates will be given on our website www.westminsterunison.gov.uk
We are also preparing mass meetings for all members and shop meetings for your teams.
Our Steering Group (consisting of our Branch Officers, Laura Butterfield regional Officer and local stewards & Health & Safety reps) meets weekly to determine our campaign.
We will be lobbying the Council on Monday 6th July at City Hall. All members are invited to attend the meeting.
Q6 I want to make an appointment to see the Branch Secretary to discuss my problems / get advice about redundancy. When is Stephen available?
A Our Branch Secretary, Stephen and our Assistant Branch Secretaries (Job Share) , Gina and Chris, are spending all of their time concentrating on the 21 Departmental changes and will be attending negotiating meetings with WCC and UNISON officials throughout the 90 day period.
We recognise that our members require individual meetings but at this stage we are unable to set aside individual time slots for up to 500 effected members. The Branch Office is currently receiving up to 10 requests per day for appointments with Stephen and it is impossible for him to give everyone his individual attention.
It is important for members to contact their Departmental reps first to discuss their concerns and also attend their local shop / mass meetings, so that a united response to the job cuts can be organised. If you are unsure who to contact, please email unisona@westminster.gov.uk and we will send you a list of local reps.
Branch Officers have also received vulnerability letters and their jobs are also under threat.
Stephen, Gina & Chris will be available at a later stage to give advice, as soon as the main negotiations have been completed. Anyone who receives a redundancy letter will also be given an appointment with a senior Branch Officer on request.
