Employees FAQ

Q1. If this goes ahead, will my job be safe?

This is very unclear at present, although in order to make the kind of savings the council are proposing, the chances are that there would need to be a reduction in staff.

Q2. Will I still be working at the same location/building?

This is also very unclear at present. Currently, there are two short listed companies, IBM (American) and T-Systems (German). The Company that gets the contract may wish to take some services abroad or elsewhere in the country, local jobs would then be reduced.

Q3. What may this mean for my Local Government pension?

UNISON will, obviously, try to negotiate that any staff transferred to the new employer retain their rights in the Local Government Pension Scheme, but it would be unlikely that the new employer would pay for Admitted Body Status as this is very costly, but they would probably offer a “comparable” pension instead (unlikely to be a final salary pension scheme)

Q4. Would my pay and terms and conditions remain the same?

The answer to this question is similar to Q3 above. After the transfer the new employer could come back and say that pay and conditions need to be adjusted to reflect 'economic, organisational and technical' changes, so it is likely pay would be affected.

Q5. Isn't change something we should embrace?

UNISON isn’t against change – but only if it is done properly. Change can be embraced when it is combined with security and protection for those employed and with the full involvement of staff and trade unions.

Q6. Will I still be able to remain in a union?

Yes, although the two short listed companies are against trade union involvement, we will be negotiating to ensure the continuation of recognition in any services outsourced and of the facilities provided for the union to operate. Even if a new employer decides later to withdraw recognition it will still be possible to remain a member and you would still enjoy the protection of the union.

Q7. What can I do to help fight these proposals?

If you are not a member already, join UNISON now, there’s strength in numbers. We would also welcome extra people to become involved in our campaign to fight these proposals.

Write to your MP or County Councillor (a model letter is on this website), send a postcard to Lord Hanningfield, the Leader of the Council (phone the Branch Office for a supply - 01245 354044), sign our on-line petition and tell your family and friends.

10th March 2009