Unified Pay round up – please read

Dear Barnet UNISON members

As we are nearing the completion of Job Evaluation Appeals for Council workers (non-schools), I thought it important to provide an update on progress.

I had originally thought we would get through all of the outstanding issues including schools before Christmas break. This is not going to happen.

However I do expect all outstanding issues for Council workers (non-schools), will be completed early in the New Year.

As a consequence of not completing the Appeals for Council workers (non-schools), we are only starting now to look at the Schools staff Appeals.

I would like to recap on the two types of Appeals:

Group Appeals 

This is an appeal for a job where there are a number of post holders such as Teaching Assistant, ICT technician, Nursery Nurse, School Business Manager. The impact of a Group Appeal directly impacts on all post holders in that role.

Individual Appeals

These are appeals for unique post holders, that is where there is only one person holding that particular job (it could be a job share).

Grounds for Appeal

I know there has been confusion as to what to put down as grounds for appeal, some members have been specific and others have ticked all the boxes. I want to assure UNISON members this will not disadvantage you, because it will be at the Stage 1 meeting where we establish what the issue is. In terms of feedback so far, fewer than 20% of the meetings I am having are actual true appeals. Often there are other issues which need other solutions.

 Stage 1 meetings in schools

At these meetings there will be someone from UNISON, the member, a Barnet Council HR representative and the Head (or other senior manager in the school). At this meeting we will discuss the issue and the possible solutions. I have already requested a number of Stage 1 meetings to be arranged.

Stage 2 meetings

This is a meeting with the member accompanied by UNISON at which we jointly present our case to an Appeal Panel (consisting of a member of HR and a union rep) for an appeal against the grade.

*** Please note it is very important that UNISON members do not go to any formal Stage 1 or Stage 2 meetings without their UNISON rep present. All Stage 1 & 2 meetings will, if possible take place in the school.

52 weeks Teaching Assistants

A meeting is being convened to discuss the 3.4% loss after which I will report on the agreed way forward.

Nursery Nurses

A meeting is being convened to discuss the 3.4% loss after which I will report on the agreed way forward.

Solidarity

John Burgess

Branch Secretary Barnet UNISON