Project Holborn in BT Group
Resourcing and Secondment
13 May 2009
In order to pursue a course of volunteerism regarding job losses and to reduce BT's Total Labour Costs the Union have been in discussions on Secondments outside of BT.
In the current economic circumstances the overriding priority of the CWU has been to sustain employment for those that wish it on core BT terms and conditions and to maintain the volunteerism approach to job losses. In other industrial sectors there have been compulsory redundancies and enforced reduced hours or salary reductions.
Secondments are not new; this process has been around for a number of decades and was recently re-launched in 2004 with Career Corridors. There has been little use of this resourcing facility with some notable exceptions with members going on Secondments to O2, Kingston Communications and the One Water Charity. Given the significant cost pressures before BT, there is a need to use this facility more widely.
Secondment Agreement
An agreement with BT has now been reached. The agreement has a 'sunset' clause and lapses 31 March 2011. On 8 May 2009, BT signed an agreement to work with Kelly Outsourcing and Consulting Group (KellyOCG) on an initiative called New Horizons which will be launched in late May 2009 to all people in the BTTC. The objective of this initiative will be to extend the range of secondment opportunities available to people in the BTTC. In addition there will be a wider publication seeking volunteers for secondment across BT on BT core terms and conditions.
The period of secondment will vary but not normally less than one month and it would be exceptional if they progressed beyond the duration of this agreement.
Flexibility
Given that the operational attendance requirements in other companies may be different, there are flexibility requirements both in start and finish times and hours which are detailed in the agreement. Where hours over and above 36 hours are required these will be on overtime rates up to a maximum of 44 hours. Any hours required above 44 hours will be by voluntary agreement only.
Any away from home or weekend working required will be voluntary unless where there is a contractual condition to do so.
During the period of secondment and where members are accepted for a substantive job in BT, there is a recall procedure within 28 days.
The approach described above and as detailed in the agreement is designed to sustain employment on BT terms and conditions during these difficult financial times. It is unique and above comparison to the job loses and loss of salary elsewhere in UK industry.
