The City Council began issuing reward assimilation letters on the 29th September with a deadline for return by 5PM on Wednesday 22nd October. Prior to the letters being issued, Westminster UNISON made strong representations to HR management stressing the importance of members having a proper understanding of what was being offered. This was especially the case for those in receipt of payments in addition to basic pay, for example shift payments and weekend enhancements.
Despite Westminster UNISON requests, HR management decided not to include other aspects of reward in addition to basic pay within the assimilation letters i.e. proposed 'buy outs' etc. However, an undertaking was given that HR would hold a surgery for every member who did not understand what was on offer, and confirm in writing individual proposals. We are informed however that many people who are requesting surgeries are being told that none are available and that they should speak to their line manager instead. This is unacceptable as in many cases, line managers are not in a position to confirm individual proposals beyond the basic assimilation letters.
The latest figures show that out of over 2500 assimilation letters being issued, only 907 have been returned. We believe that the poor response is a direct result of the lack of consultation on the implementation Reward by HR management with Westminster UNISON. We are due to meet with HR management tomorrow and shall again be raising our concerns about the lack of information and clarity being provided by line managers and HR.
In the meantime, Westminster UNISON advice remains the same:
1. Members in receipt of basic pay only
If you do not receive additional payments like weekend enhancements or shift pay, Westminster UNISON advice is that you accept the offer and return the letter as soon as possible. This will be the advice to the vast majority of members.
2. Members in receipt of additional payments
If you receive additional payments such as weekend enhancements or shift pay, Westminster UNISON advice is that you email the relevant person below to make a surgery appointment with Human Resources.
- Built Environment - Julie Marks - jmarks@westminster.gov.uk
- Central Services - Robert Newman - rnewman1@westminster.gov.uk
- People Services - Brid Daly - bdaly@westminster.gov.uk
The surgeries are designed to answer any questions staff may have in respect of additional payment proposals, and to confirm in writing all the terms of the offer including ‘buy outs' etc.
3. Anomalies
Westminster UNISON have taken considerable time to ensure that the negotiated package covers all the terms and conditions that our members are employed on. However, if you are in receipt of payments not covered by the negotiated proposals, or believe that assimilating into the new reward scheme will result in detriment or loss, you should contact us. Westminster UNISON ask that you attend a surgery with Human Resources and get your full offer in writing prior to seeking advice.
