Circular 26/14
The Federation has today received notification from Mr David King, on behalf of the Chief Constable giving 56 days notice that they will terminate the current roster patterns across the Force, initially at AWE A&B sites with a view to enforcing an 8 hour roster pattern.
We have made representations to the Force, but have received not quarter and as such will be seeking legal advice, for our members on the potential options available to them.
At this time this circular is to notify officers working at AWE that from today the notice has been invoked and as such at this time the current roster system will stop on 12th November 2014. We have had no formal discussions prior to this notice being issued by the Force on this move.
The Force has not yet supplied a copy of the proposed new pattern, but clearly it will need to be compliant with the law. It is suggested by the Force this is needed in order to reduce the number of hours individuals will need to work at these stations, but we cannot see how that is possible as the hours will remain the same, only the number of shifts and cost of payment will alter.
Clearly the issue here is with the number of available officers and the number of tasks, not the shift pattern, but the Force is unwilling, at this time, to consider this position.
We have been quoted incorrectly within the correspondence and this has also been addressed in our responses.
We DO NOT support this move and will look to represent our members fully. Please contact your branch representatives and Area Secretary with any enquiries or concerns, which you have.
The letter (Annex A) clearly states that this is intended across the entire Force.
I will make arrangements to attend AWE initially to meet with officers and discuss the implications of this shortly. Further circulars will be issued to identify the dates and locations of these meetings.
Eamon Keating
National Chairman
