New job-keeping procedure after job evaluations

The chances of avoiding a fill and spill following job evaluations has been increased following negotiations with the Public Employment Office.

The bosses have agreed that "where the work has not changed and yet is evaluated at a higher level" the current occupant can stay in the job.

The pay will consist of the old salary plus an allowance to take it up to the new pay rate. The allowance will for all purposes be regarded as salary.

The letter of offer from Col Gellatly, Director-General of the Premier's Department, says, "This allowance in the nature of salary is recognised for all purposes, e.g. superannuation, recreation and extended leave and will allow for salary progression on the same basis as appointment to the higher grade. The total salary, i.e. salary at current grade plus allowance will be the salary basis for transfer to other positions, redeployment to another position and for any period of salary maintenance."

When such a job falls vacant the position should be filled by merit selection.

The negotiations occurred at the monthly consultation between public service unions and the Public Employment Office. It is attended by executives such as PSA General Secretary Janet Good, who pursued this issue, and Col Gellatly, who heads both Premier's and PEO.

The new procedure is mandatory for agencies governed by the Public Sector Management Act. Other agencies will be officially requested to adopt the same procedures.