This is an initiative to explore the options available for business services staff when it is not 'reasonable' to expect staff to travel to a new office as an alternative to taking a redundancy/retirement package.
The two members of staff for the duration of the testbed and until the evaluation is concluded and a report submitted to SMB have their rights to taking Redundancy/Retirement protected to allow time to see how this scheme may be effective for both the staff concerned and the organisation. The evaluation is to be holistic and it is needed to be 'future proofed' and is to take into account a cost/benefit analysis, feedback from the BS staff concerned and other stakeholders ie, line manager, BRM, RM and inspectors, RBSM, West Midlands, RD, West Midlands, Health and Safety Officer. The staff side are being consulted and Sheila Keeling, West Midlands Regional Delegate was invited to the meeting.
The evaluation is being coordinated by Maria Monahan it is hoped to be reported on in December 2006.
There were delays to initial start date of the testbed due to technical issues, familiar to inspectors who have had broadband installed because of this the planned three months from June 2006 have been extended - and will finish on 24/11/06. There is to be some information gathering carried out by the Maria Monahan.
