Asylum Liverpool

Probation

Members had asked PCS to clarify the criteria for probation being extended as individuals had had their probation extended due to low productivity. Management said they would take this away as they were unsure but while behaviours should be key there would still be an performance element and if staff were not producing the work then this could be an issue.

Operating Mandate Guidance

PCS was asked to raise the issue of the operating mandate guidance being unclear with outdated links to disciplinary procedures in the text. Members were also concerned about breaches of the operating guidance leading to misconduct and discipline procedures and that this seemed very harsh. Management stated that the current operating mandate guidance is under review with the chief case working team as they have listened to feedback given previously regarding this and new guidance should be issued within the next month.

Morale

PCS was also made aware of staff morale being low with people worrying about hitting targets and looking for other jobs. Management stated that staff should be speaking to their managers if they are feeling under stress and that the management have put things in place for staff recently such as daily well being sessions.

Members were also concerned about the constant changes and the way in which these were communicated. Newer members find some of the emails to be difficult to understand and written using “jargon”. Management said that staff should be speaking to their team leaders and asking questions if they don’t understand anything.

Strike Action

There were also some questions around the upcoming action on 1 February, an FAQs link has since been sent out to all staff in the unit.