Reps will be aware there is no specific provision for ‘Acting up’ into a higher grade/band within the Agenda for Change agreement.
There is however provision for payment as a result of ‘Temporary Movement into a Higher Pay Band’ (Handbook, Paragraphs 6.30 - 6.32).
We have been discussing the application of these clauses at the Staff Council Executive.
In particular, we have focused on Clause 6.31 whereby some employers have used this to refuse to pay staff who may, for example, be taking on the role of a supervisor in a higher band for short periods.
The view of the Staff Side is that the phrase ‘…should not normally last….less than one month’ is being applied wrongly by some employers as it is obvious that the words, ‘not normally’ mean that there can be occasions in which payment can be made for working in a higher banded post for less than one month.
The staff side will continue to pursue its proposal that the Staff Council issues an amendment or qualification to this paragraph that provides greater clarity and flexibility.
In the meantime, the national staff side are issuing the following advice to workplace reps and members
- If staff are being asked to work in a higher banded post for any period, they should only do so where payment of the higher band is agreed in advance.
- If staff are currently working in a higher banded post and are not being paid to the higher band, they should give reasonable notice that they will no longer work in this higher banded post unless payment is agreed.
- In the event of difficulties arising from the application of this advice, reps should contact their Regional Officer.
We are aware that some employers are continuing previous practices and are continuing to pay for working in a higher banded post for short periods. Where this is the case could reps please ensure regional officers are informed.
If you have any question arising from this edition of Reps Direct please contact your Regional Officer.