tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post7773880115229832545..comments2024-03-18T23:21:08.363+00:00Comments on On Probation Blog: No Answers - Just QuestionsJim Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00258147767051200157noreply@blogger.comBlogger77125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-16065403970493227082015-06-26T02:51:39.608+01:002015-06-26T02:51:39.608+01:00Offered or forced CBT? (get your benefits stopped ...Offered or forced CBT? (get your benefits stopped if you don't agree to it). No doubt because claimants (like offenders) are dehumanised they will lose the right to medical confidentiality too, -as they do in probation. The enforced use of psychologists with no clear medical boundaries is unethical and in some instances amounts to glorified bullying.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-48068295714897434412015-06-12T16:49:05.938+01:002015-06-12T16:49:05.938+01:00Sorry, none of them "can" attend w/out i...Sorry, none of them "can" attend w/out inviteAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-90855156890599554612015-06-12T16:47:30.997+01:002015-06-12T16:47:30.997+01:00Something worth bearing in mind is neither GS nor ...Something worth bearing in mind is neither GS nor National Officials/Officers can't just attend Branch meetings 'cos they want to: they have to be asked. If members want to put Q's to any of them, trying to get 'em to a Branch meet is as good a way as anyotherAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-50936744546736040102015-06-12T09:04:11.874+01:002015-06-12T09:04:11.874+01:00Thanks Netnipper - much appreciated!Thanks Netnipper - much appreciated!Jim Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00258147767051200157noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-71679956236639457702015-06-12T08:38:56.375+01:002015-06-12T08:38:56.375+01:00Interesting, informative post 00.30 - beautifully ...Interesting, informative post 00.30 - beautifully put. But is anybody listening ... Mr Lawrence?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-24894052230930652962015-06-12T07:42:41.865+01:002015-06-12T07:42:41.865+01:00I don't understand why some get frustrated whe...I don't understand why some get frustrated when there isn't a brand new daily post. This fixation on spoon-feeding means that they can avoid actually adding something of their own to the debate cycle. One appeal of this blog is that it is moderated with a light touch and so anyone can say pretty much anything. Readers can take it or leave. It's a blog with life and if you look around at other probation-related blogs their comment sections tend to be running mostly on empty, whereas this blog is rich in comments and views. It's a lively blog and this is a rare thing. Netnippernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-72716175282963308002015-06-12T00:30:54.290+01:002015-06-12T00:30:54.290+01:002017 I will try . Being positive it is argued that...2017 I will try . Being positive it is argued that NAPO would rather engage in talks around attempted variations of the EVR than not. <br />There will be mixed views on this however, what is obvious is the sodexo group will have one £££ motive. Cost reductions the saving of salaries and EVR. <br />My problem, in a positive line, I hoped that having been burned at the alter of naivety over TR the general Secretary would be avoiding any talks that put adjustments on our limited and awful prospect of dismissal out of the question. <br />Putting it another way If Bob Crow were alive today and if any negotiation offered him the same agenda it would be ignored and laughed at. Bob would most likely just politely indicate the rail networks busiest commuter summer day with a view to calling members for nice gentle day of picket. The other side will get a real lesson in tactics. What is more likely is that, no way would the employers have braved such a tactic with him. I wish I could say the same of our General Secretary but he not comparable to lost talents of BC. At best Sodexo might well think he is a lightweight and worst is demonstrating it by attending such meetings. I would expect him to claim we would want him to do just that but having never asked any of us except possibley the chaotic chairs he gets authority. It does not help that he seems unable to play any other able front line staff . A listening attendance with some indication that this will trigger full legal and industrial action. The only gestures he ought to be making is our members across both NPS and CRC will be united by these attacks as it affects all of them. Recognising all the other employers will follow the sodexo action. If the cuts are made can NAPO afford to fight and most likely be told from costly Lawyers we will lose. I would appreciate the GS more if he gets the courage to climb out of London and face every branch and see the mess. Learn and try to measure the resolve to get us all back in napo and show solidarity. Strike to protect the terms because once they are gone so are we. Finally so are napo because that is a lot of fee paying membership they are selling out again. I hope this felt positive I am sorry if it reads a little harsh. I expect there will be the need to establish a joint trade dispute but there is a way. The question is can the union simply, just, not be able to fund the battle? Keep in mind this is a year old organisation and if we are strong and supportive we might just collectively deliver infanticide to the privateers. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-51828397147493642102015-06-11T22:22:02.783+01:002015-06-11T22:22:02.783+01:00Cohorts are not categoried by risk. OM's to be...Cohorts are not categoried by risk. OM's to be required to meet services users away from office base, more home visits, updating of case records using mobiles and tablets. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-57218872845687435342015-06-11T22:18:17.427+01:002015-06-11T22:18:17.427+01:00Apparently The government plans to place 350 psych...Apparently The government plans to place 350 psychologists in job centres by the end of the summer to help benefit claimants beat depression and get back into the jobs market.<br />Claimants will also be offered online cognitive behavioural therapy to boost their "employability".<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-86615101824102264422015-06-11T22:10:33.086+01:002015-06-11T22:10:33.086+01:00No mention of risk in relation to these cohorts th...No mention of risk in relation to these cohorts then?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-56284684058903724202015-06-11T22:08:27.425+01:002015-06-11T22:08:27.425+01:00Yes see were you are coming from there. There real...Yes see were you are coming from there. There really should not be anyone in the front with the driver. But they will not listen they know best. Does not matter how much we scream and shout they will not change a thing, our lives are in danger on a daily basis and the CRC are the ones that insist we carry out dangerous situations. I bet CEO will not sit next to offenders.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-11634082100828292422015-06-11T22:01:52.910+01:002015-06-11T22:01:52.910+01:00Except that in at least one CRC the seating arrang...Except that in at least one CRC the seating arrangement in the minibus means that carrying 8 passengers results in the driver unable to change gear without inadvertantly brushing the leg of the immediate passenger. For the avoidance of indecent assault claims, only 7 passengers are being carried.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-67594298316598429542015-06-11T21:51:40.934+01:002015-06-11T21:51:40.934+01:00Admittedly my understanding of ORA is as good as v...Admittedly my understanding of ORA is as good as vast amounts of email training but I thought PSS is unenforceable. What did I miss?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-6126283989314020612015-06-11T21:27:51.195+01:002015-06-11T21:27:51.195+01:00That is easy, unless CRC put you through the test ...That is easy, unless CRC put you through the test for the new driver card then you will be restricted to carrying only 8 passengers. If they fork out the money then you will carry 8 plus. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-83074424235782791932015-06-11T21:18:39.614+01:002015-06-11T21:18:39.614+01:00We are all still arguing about how many seats and ...We are all still arguing about how many seats and what sort of licences we need. It's madness. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-7692875874630915912015-06-11T20:56:48.115+01:002015-06-11T20:56:48.115+01:00What's the problem with your mini buses my fri...What's the problem with your mini buses my friend?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-57769983651243330292015-06-11T20:27:18.298+01:002015-06-11T20:27:18.298+01:00While we all are watching Sodexo the others are qu...While we all are watching Sodexo the others are quietly building steam. <br /><br />London CRC/MTCNovo are announcing reductions in admin staff with those left to reapply for their jobs. Introduction of a customer service centre based outside of London. Overall caseload to be split into cohorts based on age, need, community, resettlement. OM's allocated to a specific cohort. <br /><br />What's happening in other areas? Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-6512158724358122962015-06-11T20:19:30.548+01:002015-06-11T20:19:30.548+01:00Which CRC are you?Which CRC are you?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-44866961863150571472015-06-11T20:17:56.629+01:002015-06-11T20:17:56.629+01:00I'm trying to stay positive but what can NAPO,...I'm trying to stay positive but what can NAPO, or anyone else, realistically do to mitigate against what Sodexo want to do? Can something be done. Honest responses pleaseAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-65986938761997163212015-06-11T20:17:39.803+01:002015-06-11T20:17:39.803+01:00Most controversial thing in my crc? Unpaid work mi...Most controversial thing in my crc? Unpaid work minibuses. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-31698021150433805422015-06-11T17:45:47.473+01:002015-06-11T17:45:47.473+01:00I recall a few weeks ago someone posting that they...I recall a few weeks ago someone posting that they were due to launch a new blog soon with a big fanfare - since when things seem to have gone very quiet (probably when they realised how much work Jim actually puts into it!)... Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-86295462343525069952015-06-11T17:42:38.266+01:002015-06-11T17:42:38.266+01:00We've been doing PSS breaches for weeks now! I...We've been doing PSS breaches for weeks now! It feels like nearly every PSS release has breached...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-48681873778633470002015-06-11T16:58:14.019+01:002015-06-11T16:58:14.019+01:00Any comment from Sodexo??? yet again our lives in ...Any comment from Sodexo??? yet again our lives in everyone elses' hands but our own. Frustrated r us! Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-64571173597865249582015-06-11T16:21:03.745+01:002015-06-11T16:21:03.745+01:00What's that saying about Rome burning? Think i...What's that saying about Rome burning? Think it applies here!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8578343158425987632.post-92022703554210415612015-06-11T15:55:33.943+01:002015-06-11T15:55:33.943+01:00The Probation trade unions have met twice with sen...The Probation trade unions have met twice with senior Sodexo management within the last week to discuss the company’s plans to implement a staff reduction programme and the associated offer for an enhanced early retirement scheme (EVR).<br /><br />The statement which was presented to Sodexo last night by the trade unions, makes it clear that the unions believe that the proposals are unacceptable and that we expect the company to honour the terms of the National Staff Transfer Agreement .<br /><br />As indicated, Napo will be urgently consulting with our Napo representatives from the Sodexo owned CRCs and will be referring the issue to the National Negotiating Council NNC. It has been agreed at this stage that detailed information (on which we are awaiting a final version later today) will be shared initially on an 'in confidence basis' with the local CRC representatives from each of the unions.<br /><br />I fully appreciate the current uncertainty that our members within the Sodexo owned CRCs are trying to cope with and the wish to see more information. As you might expect, there are a number of hugely complex issues that have arisen from the discussions with Sodexo, and Napo has been working extremely hard to defend your interests. We are also insisting that the contractor should abide by the national agreements that were underwritten by the Secretary of State prior to TR Share sale.<br /><br />At this stage I am asking that enquiries about the contents of this circular be limited to Sodexo CRC members please via your Napo representative to: Ranjit Singh (rsingh@napo.org.uk).<br /><br />I will be issuing more news for all Napo members once we have consulted with our Sodexo CRC reps and at the same time as the proposals are released more widely to staff across the CRC's involved.<br /><br />Yours sincerely<br /><br />Ian Lawrence,<br /><br />General Secretary<br /><br />JTU 12-15<br />10th June 2015<br /><br /><br />Position Statement<br /><br />At today’s meeting between Sodexo, Napo, Unison and GMB the trade unions discussed the proposal from Sodexo to vary the terms for Enhanced Voluntary Redundancy (EVR) which is part of the company's plans to implement a staff reduction programme.<br /><br />The trade unions have made it clear that this offer is unacceptable and that we expect the CRCs under Sodexo's ownership to fully abide by the terms of the National Staff Transfer Agreement. The unions will now be urgently consulting with their representatives employed within the Sodexo owned Community Rehabilitation Companies.<br /><br />Additionally, and given the complexities of the issues under discussion the trade unions will be referring the situation to the National Negotiating Council and NNC SCCOG for urgent attention.<br /><br />Until such time as these issues are resolved the trade unions believe that the current pause on the staff reduction plans should continue.<br /><br />Ian Lawrence Ben Priestley David Walton<br /> <br />General Secretary National Officer National Secretary<br />Napo UNISON GMB/SCOOP<br />Jim Brownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00258147767051200157noreply@blogger.com