LTB 398/17 – Openreach – Enhanced Approach to Adjusted Job Search (AJS)
No. 398/2017 Ref: DB/LEL 12 July 2017
TO ALL BRANCHES WITH MEMBERS IN BT
Dear Colleague,
Openreach – Enhanced Approach to Adjusted Job Search (AJS)
Branches will be aware of the discussions taking place with Openreach regarding the application of the Adjusted Job Search process. These discussions have been specifically aimed at improving the way our members are treated if subject to the process, as well as ensuring that all steps are taken to avoid our members being subject to the process. In short, to retain people in their existing roles with adjustments limiting the need to initiate the AJS process.
The National Team (NT) is pleased to report that significant progress has been made and the details of the new approach are contained within the attached letter from Kevin Brady (HR Director, Openreach). The new approach ensures a direct input and influence prior to and during the AJS process for our Branch representatives and this is evidence based. In other words, managers will have to show the direct involvement of the CWU prior to and during the process. Clearly our objective will be to seek the retention of people in their existing roles with adjustments, thereby reducing the need to initiate the process.
In addition, the NT has secured a commitment to review all existing AJS cases against the above principles and utilise the existing (and emerging) FVR and IDC projects to seek solutions for individuals. To be clear, if an individual should be retained/returned to their role with adjustments this review will allow for that to happen. Branches will carry out the reviews on all existing 67 cases. Members of the NT will assist in that process if required.
Finally the company recognises that a number of cases are currently at the point of resolution; they will provide the ability for the CWU to review these prior to them taking any further action, as such no resolution meetings will take place until the CWU review has taken place.
The NT recognises the uncertainty that the current approach has caused members but believes the steps outlined in this LTB and correspondence from the company provide a welcome platform for resolving both current and potentially new AJS cases.
Any enquires regarding this LTB should be sent to my office in the first instance.
Yours sincerely,
Davie Bowman
Assistant Secretary