Memorandum submitted by UNISON
I am pleased to enclosed UNISON's submission
to the regulatory reform committee, which includes some detailed
amendments which will, we believe, strengthen the order. We are
glad of the opportunity to restate our concerns on the current
framing of the order, and we hope that the Committee will be able
to assist us.
This submission is focussed on points (c) and
(d) of your remit; that the consultation "continues any necessary
protection" and has "taken appropriate account of adequate
consultation." UNISON does not believe this to be the case,
in that there are deficiencies within the RRO which will heavily
impact the terms and conditions enjoyed by registration officers,
and which are not in line with provisions already made by Government
(and agreed with trade unions) on the transfer of staff in the
public sector.
In particular UNISON is concerned that the RRO
fails to protect registration officers' terms and conditions of
employment. We feel that the RRO must:
— Adhere to the Statement of Practice
on Staff Transfers in the Public Sector, published by the Cabinet
Office in January 2000.
— Contain a requirement to consult
with staff and trade unions on the "transfer" and the
impact of the "transfer" of registration services on
registration officers.
— Consult on the modernisation of registration
services in accordance with Best Value legislation and statutory
guidance, staff and trade unions should be consulted on.
— Provide employment protection from
unfair dismissal where the reason for the dismissal is "transferring"
to become an employee of the local authority.
— Provide continuous employment protection
for registrars employed in other posts by previous authorities.
UNISON would be happy to attend your sessions
and provide oral evidence to you on the need for these changes.
We firmly believe that the changes to the RRO are not controversial
and will bring the provisions for our members into line with other
employees in the public sector.
I very much hope you will be able to assist
us on this issue and I look forward to hearing from you.
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