February 09, 2009
Setting the record straight
No truth in the suggestion that Napo have instructed their members to refuse work.
Ian Lawrence Napo Assistant General Secretary with responsibility for the Cafcass Section, has written in response to an all staff letter issued by Anthony Douglas last week.
Ian has sought to clarify the union's position in respect of a suggestion by the Cafcass Chief Excutive that the unions have advised its members 'that it is possible for them to refuse to take on a case if a caseload goes above a specified number.'
Napo has made it clear that for some time it has been expecting a joint approach on how best to handle workloads and because of the increasing pressures on its members, has reiterated the advice which formed part of the guidelines accompanying the 2004 Workloads Policy.
Commenting on the situation, Ian Lawrence said that 'while he regretted the fact that the Chief Executive had not called him directly to establish what Napo's position is', he was hopeful that this matter could be ironed out soon by way of a meeting between the Chief Executive and the Cafcass Unions.
Ian went on to say that 'I am pleased that some of the problems that Napo have consistently been raising have at least been acknowledged by Anthony Douglas, and we all need to get a clear steer on how best to deal with these in a constructive way that brings confidence to the judiciary and our members alike.'
Posted by ian at 10:33 AM