DWP management relents on unfair bonus scheme - 8 December 2003

Managers at the Department for Work and Pensions have withdrawn plans to introduce a bonus scheme which the FDA claimed would potentially breach sex and disability discrimination laws. The scheme would have made any member of staff who took time off for any reason other than annual leave, including maternity leave and sick leave, suffer a financial penalty.

The decision was announced at a meeting with the FDA last Friday following the overwhelming rejection by FDA members of this year's pay offer. 95% of FDA members voted against the pay offer, which included the bonus scheme. Staff faced the prospect of losing money for caring for sick children, attending funerals or even serving on a jury.

The FDA, along with other civil service unions PCS and Prospect, had condemned the proposals. The scheme was also criticised last week by employment relations minister Gerry Sutcliffe who said the move by DWP was not an example of best practice.

Martin Furlong, FDA National Officer said: "This is good news. Thankfully the department saw sense on this issue in the face of overwhelming opposition from its employees. However, this may not be the end of the matter as the department's management have suggested that they may return with similar proposals early next year. We will continue to resist any proposals that are unfair.

"We hope that the department will now also see sense over the financial aspects of the deal and that promised negotiation on this can take place forthwith."

Ends

Notes for Editors
1. The FDA is the trade union and professional body representing the UK's 11,000 senior civil and public servants. Our members include policy advisors, senior managers, tax inspectors, economists, statisticians, accountants, special advisers, government lawyers, crown prosecutors and NHS managers.

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