Statement of Availability - Update 09/02/11
The HFBU would like to confirm to its RDS members that within the last 48 hours HFRS and HFBU have reached an amicable agreement over the 'Statement of Availability' sheets which the service recently introduced. HFBU approached the service with serious concerns about the intended use, lack of information for employees and instructions for WM's regarding the availability sheets.The service will shortly be issuing a letter informing employees of its intentions for use of the Statement of Availability. The HFBU have negotiated with HFRS over its original implementation and lack of information available and are now confident that the letter , which will be issued soon from HFRS will appease employees of any concerns. The service have informed the HFBU that they are not using the sheets for any other reason than to highlight crewing issues so that managers can ensure that pumps stay available and recruitment suits the gaps highlighted. The sheets will not be used to create contracted hours or elevate/decrease employees into the HFRS proposed banded retainer system. The service will copy the available hours onto the RMS so that managers have a visual reference of employees availability of real verses intended. Once the sheets are copied the original will then stay at the employee's respective station and not be added to employees contracts as previously intended and additionally the sheets will not require any signatures.
With this information in mind and the fact that HFRS have provided the HFBU with assurances we would like to inform our members that they may start to complete the Statement of Availability without further concern.
Should you have any concerns over the statements of availability or any other issues please contact either Bryan Stanislas (HFBU Chair Retained) or Dick Hewitt (HFBU Sec Retained).
Yours Sincerely
Bryan Stanislas
HFBU Chair (Retained)
