Members have understandably been very interested to know what the departments plans are regarding VERS. We can now share the latest information we have regarding this.1 Consultation on the VERS scheme has begun with the unions and is due to complete by the end of February.
PCS is opposed to the use of an early release scheme at this stage, believing that the measures contained in the Managing Surpluses Agreement with the department, such as removal of consultants and agency staff, should be enacted first to mitigate the need for job losses through voluntary early release. Members should also note that the terms of the voluntary early release scheme are those imposed by the Government in December 2010. PCS is taking legal action to challenge this imposition, through a judicial review. However, we will be responding to this consultation exercise on a without prejudice basis and members will be asked to comment through this branch to inform that process. Full details can be read here. continued in brief below.
2 A revised compensation calculator will be made available on Civil Service Pensions website – end Jan 11
3 DCP to publish DIN on VERS – end Feb 11
4 Applications received by PPPA – end Mar 11
5 PPPA consolidated information to Selection Panels – by end Apr 11
6 TLB Selection Panels advise PPPA of initial selections – by end May 11
7 My CSP provide costed estimates to PPPA – by end Jun 11
8 Selection Panels confirm selections and PPPA issue offers to staff – by mid Jul 11
9 Acceptances/selections due by – end Jul 11
10 3 months notice to individuals of release date – finishes end Oct
11 First departures – early Nov 11
