What Happens Next?

1 December 2009 - 2 March 2010	Consultation with Staff Side and staff.
Early March	Meeting of Cabinet and Full Council to endorse changes agreed as a result of consultation
March	Helpline for managers launched. Letters will be sent out to staff at this stage detailing their new pay, and terms and conditions.

What happens if agreement isn't reached?

If agreement is not reached with the Staff Side following consultation, the letter staff receive in March will ask them to voluntarily agree to their new pay, grade and terms and conditions. Then:

in mid-April staff who have not voluntarily agreed will be issued with a notice of dismissal and offer of immediate re-engagement under the new terms and pay structure;
in August the new terms and pay structure will be implemented and the appeals process will begin.