KEETCH CONCERNED OVER COUNCIL JOB EVALUATION

2.31.54pm GMT Tue 8th Jul 2003

Paul Keetch, Lib Dem MP for Hereford, has today written to the Minister of State, Nick Raynsford MP, to ask for a meeting with him and a cross section of employees of Herefordshire Council.

Mr Keetch has been inundated with requests from Council employees to support their claim for an abandonment of the Job Evaluation procedure that has recently been undertaken.

"I have received numerous requests from Council employees asking why the Job Evaluation process has been such a disaster," said Mr Keetch.

"The process, it seems, has not been followed accurately and unfortunately inadequate training was given to those that needed to complete the necessary paperwork for the procedure to be an accurate evaluation.

"I realise that this has been an ongoing situation for some time but was not aware that the Unions recommended to their members that they should use the National Scheme, which had not been proven. The then Lib Dem Council had recommended that the Hayes Scheme had been used by other Authorities who had undertaken the same process and it was proven to be an accurate method.

"I therefore think it is only right for the Minister to have this situation brought to his attention and I am doing so to ensure that these employees are not disadvantaged," Mr Keetch added.

The now Tory led Council are reviewing the process and further feedback is expected after meetings that are taking place this week.