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June 21, 2009
OFFICE CLOSURES
To understand the criteria for qualifying for a car parking permit there is a lengthy policy and set of procedure which runs to about 15 pages. However, when it comes to office moves there appears to be a policy and procedural vacuum.
There have been some questionnaires filled in, some meetings at office locations. This has been called consultation. There have been no formal meetings as yet between the unions and HR on office closures. It appears to have been assumed that the unions would make up the numbers at office meetings – and that would suffice as consultation.
Moving offices will not be problematic at all for some staff. But for others there are issues – personal, family, and health. At the present time there is a lack of clarity about the process. Staff are currently being told where they are being moved to as though that is the final word. It appears decisions have already been taken.
Members are unsure of their rights. The process involves selection, the application of criteria – but how these are operated is opaque. This is unsatisfactory.
On the Personnel database you will find the Staff Policy on Redeployment. Napo has advised HR of this policy but their response is that it’s not applicable. Napo’s position is that it is applicable and it will be helpful in managing redeployments associated with office closures. The policy specifically refers to ‘significant organisational change’ and that was a term agreed upon during the formulation of the policy to cover ‘team restructuring and closure of offices’.
The policy requires consultation with individuals affected by redeployment. The consultation thus far has disappointed some individual members and the position taken by HR on the redeployment policy and the process of consultation has disappointed Napo.
Our advice to members is clear: the redeployments policy applies and should be followed. We advise members who are dissatisfies with how their redeployment is being addressed to contact a Napo representative.
Posted by Hampshire at June 21, 2009 09:15 PM