Issue 025 | March 2010

This newsletter provides information for members of Nationwide Group Staff Union
In this Issue
Update From Tim
The Annual Performance Review process is now in full swing. I was pleased to see that the Society's recent communication to employees stressed that reviews should take into account 'how' employees have performed and not just 'what' they've achieved. It is important that an employee's all round contribution is properly considered and that the review is not just confined to an assessment against targets.

Some members are expressing concerns about the calibration process - that performance ratings are being decided before the individual discussion take place. It seems that some people have been told that ratings determined at a calibration meeting cannot be changed. We know that 'indicative' scores are discussed during the calibration process but we would expect individual discussions to influence the outcome and for some ratings to change as a result. We also know that there is a reluctance to appeal against ratings because most doubt that they will be changed or that it will be held against them in some way. I understand these fears but if you genuinely think your rating is unfair please exercise your right to appeal - the Union will support you through the process.

The outcome of the review of the Job Security Policy was announced last week. I know many members were anxious about the review, fearing that the terms of the policy would be greatly reduced. I'm pleased that we were able to preserve most of the key terms and the reaction from members has been largely positive. All employees should have been sent our 'Special Issue' which explains more about the changes - its available on our website if you missed it.

A good way to let us know your feedback about work issues and Union activity is to register on our website Forum. We now have an active online community who regularly discuss a range of work issues and share experiences. You can register with an anonymous username if you'd prefer not to be identified. The Forum provides members with an opportunity to have a full and frank debate (subject to house rules) - you're welcome to join up and have your say!

Best wishes

Tim Poil
General Secretary

Death Benefit increased to £1000
Did you know that if you pay your union subscriptions by direct debit rather than salary deduction that you qualify for free death benefit cover? If the worst happens and you die whilst still paying subscriptions to the Union your estate would receive an extra £1000 (tax free) from NGSU.

If you would like to change to paying by direct debit and qualify for this benefit please complete and return a direct debit mandate to our office in Middleton Cheney (click on the link below for a form). We can collect your membership and draw subscriptions plus any insurance premiums you pay via the Union. Please note that membership subscriptions are taken on 26th of each month and draw subscriptions are taken on 15th of each month.
Monthly Subscription Draw
Have you signed up to the monthly subscription draw or would you like to increase your chances? With around 30,000 draw entries a month the odds are much better than the National Lottery!

The monthly subscription draw provides the chance for NGSU members to win fantastic cash prizes - including a first prize of up to £15,000!

- You can buy between one and ten chances for each monthly draw.
- One chance costs £1
- 75% of the total money paid into the draw each month is paid back to members as cash prizes.
- 25% of the money is used towards the day-to-day running of the Union - helping to keep membership rates down.
- You can pay your subscription by direct debit or salary deduction.

Click below for an application form to join the draw or increase your chances.

Personal Accident Advice & Compensation
As a NGSU member you are entitled to free legal advice in matters relating to personal injury and, where appropriate, legal representation. The Union has appointed Russell Jones & Walker (RJW), one of the UK's leading personal injury firms to act on your behalf. RJW has a long history representing unions and their members and this gives it a unique view and experience of the issues you face. They represent thousands of union members every year and have developed a bespoke service for the NGSU where both you and your family can claim and the NGSU covers your legal bills.

If you or your family have been hurt in any of the following and it wasn't your fault RJW may be able to help you: A Road Traffic Accident; An Accident at Work; A Slipping or Tripping Accident or Industrial Disease.

Please note the accident must have happened in the last 3 years. For more information contact the NGSU Personal Injury Line: 0800 916 9064.
Intercontinental Hotels Group
IHG our offering NGSU members a discount of 35% off weekend stays. The offer is available at over 200 Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn and Express by Holiday Inn hotels across the UK and Europe up until 31 December 2010 so go ahead and treat yourself to a weekend break.

To book from UK call 0871 423 4874
Please quote 'Exclusive'

Calls to 0871 numbers are charged at £0.10 per minute when dialled form a BT landline.
Nationwide Group Staff Union
Middleton Farmhouse
37 Main Road
Middleton Cheney
Oxfordshire
OX17 2QT

tel: 01295 710767
fax: 01295 712580
 
 
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