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There is rumoured to be widespread disquiet
amongst staff at Penwith District Council as the result of a job
evaluation exercise that has resulted in almost ¼ of staff having their
salaries cut. It has emerged that some staff many of whom had worked
loyally for many years were in tears as they learned of the news that
they had been rewarded with pay cuts of up to 15%. For some staff
currently earning £15,500 that would mean a reduction to around £13,000.
Divisions were heightened as it was revealed that the salaries of some
senior officers is to be substantially increased.
Chief Executive Officer Jim McKenna (current salary c£80,000) said that
the review was not a cost cutting exercise but was about providing equal
pay for equal value of work.
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Inevitably parallels with the debacle of the Devon and Cornwall Police
review have been drawn where a review also suggested that the salaries
of support staff should be cut. In that event protests by workers led to
the plans being shelved. However, Penwith are at great pains to stress
that the two reviews are very different and that the Penwith Review was
done with the co-operation of the unions and that union officials were
satisfied with the results.
It is clear however that some employees are far
from satisfied. Many feel demoralised, let down and undervalued after
having their wages cut and there are talks of demonstrations and
protests against proposals. It has been suggested that for those staff
lucky enough to be given a pay rise the change will take place next
April while pay cuts will be phased in to give staff 'time to adjust'.
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