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A Personal Open Letter to MPs and Councillors

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Today, members of the PCS union within Revenue and Customs (R & C) will be taking industrial action against draconian sick absence rules being imposed by their employer.

The rules propose that, despite the law allowing 7 days self-certified sick absence, workers in R &C could potentially be disciplined after just 5 days.  5 days! The government guidance on influenza suggests staying off work longer – but R & C staff will be expected to report to work ill.

Within R & C stress levels are at an all time high, as job losses and increases in workloads have be forced on a workforce being pushed to the edge. And now they are being disciplined for it by a policy that was unilaterally introduced without any consultation. A policy which punishes staff for being stick, rather than tackling the underlying causes of the sickness.  

I have experienced such sick absence rules when I worked for another government department. Those rules meant that after genuine sickness, I was hounded and harrassed by disciplinary procedures which instead for looking after my well-being at work, sent me into a spiral of depression, stress and more sick absence. I remember it as the worst time of my life. And in the worst moments of it, even thinking that I simply couldn't go on.

R & C workers provide an essential role within society. They collect the money that pays for everything we take for granted – hospital, roads, schools; but the workers are more than that. They’re people. They’re voters.  They have a say, and the support they get in this struggle will be a defining issue when it comes to putting a cross in a box.

I would therefore call on all elected councillors and MPs to make a statement today, whether to the press, via Twitter, blogs or letters of support to local PCS branches taking action.

These workers live and vote within your constituency. The need your help and support, and as someone who has put themselves forward to represent your community, it’s time to show you support your potential voters who need help.

Do it today.  Show that you understand that people in R & C aren’t faceless bureaucrats – but people, who provide an essential role in difficult circumstances. 

Do it any way you can, but make today the day you once again affirm to your voters that you stand up for people in my community.

Do it because R & C workers are your voters, a vital part of your constituency. Do it because being elected is a two way process; but most importantly do it because it’s the right thing to do.

 

Mark Everden  - in a personal capacity.