The Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) today attacked proposals by Ofsted to dock the pay of its staff for leaving work to attend emergencies. The move forms part of a set of proposals which also seek to introduce a formal dress code.

The union challenged Ofsted’s view that staff should be able to plan emergencies to fall within annual leave and warned of an increasingly Draconian approach to staff as the organisation sought to ban t-shirts, short skirts and all denim in call centres across the country.

The union is calling for a clothing allowance for Ofsted staff if the dress code policy is enforced as many staff earn less than £15, 000 and will have to buy new uniforms.

Commenting Ofsted PCS branch chair Derek Lynn said: “Our lower paid members will not be able to afford to take unpaid leave and may well continue to send sick children to school, nursery or their child minders. Working mothers shouldn’t be made to feel guilty or penalised for having domestic responsibilities but like their proposed dress code Ofsted’s attitudes are stuck in the 1950’s and that should be a worry to us all.”

PCS national officer Dean Rogers added: “We are growing increasingly concerned about the Draconian attitude of senior management towards staff. It is ludicrous that Ofsted are looking at penalising people for unforeseen events such as a son, daughter or family member being taken ill.”

Notes to editors

• For further information, interviews and comment please contact Alex Flynn PCS national press officer on 020 7801 2820 or 07833 978216.
• PCS, the Public and Commercial Services Union is the union representing civil and public servants in central government. It has over 320, 000 members in over 200 departments and agencies. It also represents workers in parts of government transferred to the private sector. PCS is the UK’s sixth largest union and is affiliated to the TUC. The general secretary is Mark Serwotka and the president is Janice Godrich.
• There are approximately 2200 working for Ofsted of which PCS represents 351.

Alex Flynn
National Press Officer
Public and Commercial Services Union
160 Falcon Rd
London SW11 2LN
Direct line: 020 7801 2747
Mobile: 07833 978 216
Fax: 020 7924 1847