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British Gas Staff News

Dear Member,

There's some news we'd like to tell all members employed in Centrica/British Gas. Please take a moment to read through today's headlines:-

• Pay 2010
  

Don't forget to let us know your views!

Pay 2010

All Level 8 members employed by both British Gas Energy and British Gas Services are due their cost of living increase from 1st January 2010. As members may know the value of the increase is based on a pay formula that takes account of the prevailing pay levels and increases taking place elsewhere in the UK economy. Members will not need to be reminded that the Retail Prices Index remains in negative figures and this has undoubtedly affected the figure produced by the formula this year.

Discussions with BG E have already been held and they have proposed that based on the formula all Level 8 pay points and scales will be increased by 1.8% from 1st January 2010. In addition BG E expressed their wish to move the Level 8 pay review date from 1st January to 1st April each year to bring them into line with the Level 7 population.

Both UNISON and GMB have responded to this position by pointing out that British Gas as a company is doing very well and is exceeding forecasted profit levels. In the trade unions' view it can easily afford to increase pay by more than 1.8%. Strong representations have been made in an effort to improve on the 1.8% figure. Although the unions acknowledge that the formula is a national agreement we have pointed out that we are in extraordinary times when the figure produced is more influenced by the external economy than the company's ability to pay more. We have urged the company, for just this year, to deviate away from the formula and to implement a pay deal that exceeds the 1.8% figure.

Despite these efforts BG E management have refused this claim. They have proposed an improvement to the bonus scheme that will increase the maximum potential from 12% to 16%. This has been put forward by the company to cushion the move from 1st January to 1st April for the annual pay review date to begin on 1st April 2011. (See the management statement attached)

The unions have made it clear that the bonus scheme falls outside the terms of our joint agreements. The scheme is run entirely at the discretion of the company. It can change the targets, alter the rewards or even stop it altogether; in these circumstances the trade unions cannot regard an intended improvement to the bonus scheme as having any part of the agreed pay settlement. Instead the unions have proposed that members get a lump sum payment in recognition of the move from January to April. This too has so far been refused by BG E.

In these circumstances the trade unions have reluctantly agreed the 1.8% increase from 1st January. However no agreement has been reached on a move from a January to April pay date. Discussions will continue on this and any changes to the bonus scheme, will not be implemented until April 2010 subject to the outcome of the discussions.

Finally as discussions continue with BG E management on the treatment of those members who are located above the existing pay scales it has been agreed that the problem for those affected should not be made worse. Therefore it has been agreed that the 1.8% increase will not be applied to them.

Attached to this bulletin is a statement from BG E management explaining the terms of this year's settlement.

Members in BG S will soon know what proposals the management intend to put forward for them. There is a BG S National Joint Council due on 16 December and it is anticipated that the position will be made clear by then.

To obtain a copy of the bulletin and the statement from BG E management, please click here [word document]

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If you are reading this bulletin and you are not already a member of a trade union then why not apply to join UNISON today. Speak to your local UNISON rep or log on to the UNISON web site www.unison.org.uk and join online

There is no better time to be a member of a recognised Trade Union, only a recognised Trade Union can negotiate on your behalf. By being a member of UNISON you have the full support of your local Workplace Representatives, your National Representatives and the Full Time Officer in your area offices.

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Our strength is in our numbers... the more members we have, the stronger we are and the greater our voices can be heard.

Members are reminded that they can contact their local representative to express their views or to forward any questions. Alternatively, please feel free to email us at queries@unisoncymruwalesgas.org.uk - other contact methods may also be found at the bottom of this message.

Regards,

Unison Cymru/Wales Gas

Contact us with your queries:

• by email - queries@unisoncymruwalesgas.org.uk
• by speaking with your local UNISON representative - click here
• or online - click here


All communication will be dealt by a UNISON representative
and will be treated confidentially.

• One British Gas Redundancy Consultations
• Employees Above Salary Range
• Level 8 Pay Review 2010

To find out more about the above, please visit our website or click here.

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