JOINT TRADE UNION
JOB EVALUATION/SINGLE STATUS UPDATE

The Joint Trade Unions (JTUs) are writing to our members to update you in connection with the current position regarding Job Evaluation/Single Status at Northumberland County Council (NCC).

As indicated in our last newsletter (dated 5 May 2011), the JTUs formally requested a meeting with the Chief Executive, SMT and Senior Politicians on 12 May 2011 to try and resolve the current impasse in that NCC are refusing to negotiate any further on outstanding issues related to JE/Single Status, whilst the JTUs remain fully committed to reaching a negotiated agreement.  Unfortunately the Senior Politicians for whatever reason have not been able to meet with us on this extremely important issue that affects all our members until Tuesday, 24 May 2011.  However, in the interim NCC continue to instigate its measures to impose an unagreed, non-equality proofed JE/Single Status Scheme on all employees of NCC.  

With regard to recent developments and following staff meetings, we understand the council is now offering staff individually the opportunity to sign for their Job Evaluated outcome pay.  

The JTUs advise that you should NOT sign up anything at this time as this is not the full package, and attached to this letter is a fact-sheet explaining why and the present difficulties

The JTUs understand Staff Meetings have taken and continue to take place.  The JTUs view is that until an equality proofed and recommendable Job Evaluation/Single Status package can be agreed and our members balloted, we advise you NOT to sign up to anything that is being offered. 

More information will follow after our meeting with the Senior Politicians, Chief Executive, and SMT on Tuesday, 24 May 2011.

There will be a presence from the JTUs at all of the NCC JE/Single Status road-shows, as outlined in NCC’s “Welcome to Staff Room” newsletter dated 18 May 2011.

Yours sincerely,