PAY 2015/16 – NAPO SECURES PAY OFFER FOR STAFF ON MAX

The Officers have agreed the recommendation from the Napo negotiators to ask our members in the NPS and CRCs to signal their acceptance of a pay offer which has been made to the NNC Joint Secretaries this week. This has emerged from the discussions between the probation unions and NOMS about the outstanding elements of the joint unions pay claim which I have mentioned in a previous blog posting.

A branch circular is being prepared for issue on Monday which sets out the detail behind the recommendation and the timetable for the conduct of the ratification process, which we are hoping branches will help us conclude by on 16 May.

Nobody here will claim that the offer (which provides a minimum and pensionable £300 underpin) is a huge victory, or that it represents a fair reward for the efforts of our members in maintaining services in the post-TR world.

Nevertheless, it’s worth reflecting that:

• It’s the first pensionable pay award of any sort for staff at their pay maxima since 2010.
   
• Napo has successfully argued that the terms of the Local Government Pension Scheme should apply to the offer and have negotiated extra funding to make this possible.
   
• Napo does not agree with and reserves its position on the assertion by NOMS (which will be seen in the full offer) that future payments of this type would not attract a pensionable element.
   
• The offer needs to be seen in the context of other pay awards across NOMS and elsewhere which have not provided a similar payment.

What you would get

The increases on offer by pay band are as follows. These amounts only apply to staff at their pay maxima as other staff will be entitled to payment of their contractual increment. Our understanding so far is that (with the exception of two CRC’s who are currently transitioning their payroll services) all outstanding increments should have been received by Napo members working in a CRC. Branch Chairs are asked to let us know if this is not the case.  

Of course the offer makes it clear that NOMS cannot make payments of the lump sums on behalf of the CRC’s, and that the unions will need to establish communications with the CRC’s (through the NNC Joint Secretaries) for them to effect payment should their respective members signal acceptance.

The Officers share my view that while this represents some welcome news in tough times, it merely highlights the continuing inadequacies of the probation pay structure.

Looking ahead

We will soon be engaging in ‘shadow discussions’ with NOMS whilst we await a remit for 2016-2017 pay and beyond, where the focus must be on attaining a shorter route for pay progression and a reward structure that more fairly reflects your skills and the work that your employer expects from you.

Look out for more on Pay and the current negotiations on E3 next week when I hope to share some positive news about what Napo is trying to achieve for our members.

Enjoy your weekend

Have you made the switch? https://join.napo.org.uk/#/switch-to-direct-debit/home