17 November 2011

IMPORTANT

Dear Colleague,

RE: POSSIBLE INDUSTRIAL ACTION – WEDNESDAY 30 NOVEMBER 2011

1. Introduction

Regrettably in conclusion of recent ballots for industrial action trade union members have voted to strike in response to proposed changes to pension arrangements.

2. Impact for employees taking strike action

Pay Deductions

Clearly anyone participating in a strike will not be paid and this deduction will equate to:

Non teaching staff : 1/260 (Joint National Council guidance)

Teaching staff: 1/365 (Burgundy Book terms and conditions)

of a full-time salary for each day of action. This will be pro-rata for part-time employees.

Pension Contributions

Absence due to a trade dispute will automatically reduce your membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme and not count for the qualification of, or the calculation of, pension rights by the number of days you are absent from duty.

Once the trade dispute is concluded you will have the opportunity to pay 16% of your lost pay to have that period of membership reinstated by completing an on line form available via this link:Pension Election Form. Under the rules of the Pension scheme notification via this form must be received within 30 days of the strike day otherwise the opportunity is lost. If you need any further information on this please e-mail or contact 020 8891 7262.

For all teachers and centrally employed staff who are in the Teachers’ Pension scheme there is no provision for buying back strike days, link to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme website:

Leave of Absence

Unfortunately it will not be possible to authorise any leave of absence or annual leave for strike days. Similarly anyone reporting sick on strike days will be required to provide a doctor’s private medical statement.

Flexible and Remote Working

Established flexible and remote working arrangements should be able to continue on strike days but may need to be reviewed depending on service needs. New or ad hoc arrangements will not normally be authorised.

Picketing

Any picketing must be peaceful and be restricted to non aggressive persuasion. Employees who decide not to attend work because of such persuasion will, of course, be participating in the strike and will be subject to deduction as indicated above. In the unlikely event that any picketing is intimidating, then employees who wish to report for duty should withdraw and telephone their manager from a safe distance to obtain instructions.

3. Conclusion

If you decide to participate in the strike please let your manager know as far in advance as possible.

Whatever happens, I am sure you will share my hope that this dispute will be settled quickly, amicably and justly.

Kind Regards

Chair of Governing Body