General Picture
During 1996 the STE was involved in lengthy discussions with BT
about the kind of welfare standards that would apply to new
Workstyle type buildings in the BT Estate. Our position was
that the Company should aspire to provide the best possible
facilities for staff from restaurants to recreation areas and
crèches. BT felt unable to agree this approach which it felt
would have significant budgetary implications. Unfortunately
it then imposed its own accommodation guidelines for new and
refurbished buildings. These have not been agreed by the BT
Unions and existing ISIS standards still apply.
Recent Developments
In practice, because of pressure from the BT Unions and staff,
the picture is somewhat brighter. Project Managers have taken
account of staff comments during the BT Centre upgrade and
incorporated changes as the refurbishment is rolled out. At
the new Brentwood Workstyle site, BT will discuss with the BT
Unions at design stage how to make sure that the accommodation
takes account of best practice elsewhere.
Things to watch out for
The BT Unions are in dispute with the Company over a number
of refurbished buildings in London, in particular over desk
layouts and welfare standards. There are a number of key issues
to look out for:-
- Desks: Lipped desks designed to accommodate wide
screen PCs, are not a problem in themselves, but can cause
difficulties with layouts- as has happened at Holborn Centre.
Other desks create different problems. Space standards, and
in particular clear exit to fire escapes must be maintained
whatever desk/desk layout is in place. All workstations must
be assessed for personal suitability in accordance with VDU
regulations.
- Self Messing: BT must provide either free vend
on drinks machines or self messing facilities with hot water
for tea/coffee making. This may appear a simple matter.
Unfortunately it has also proved to be a source of some
contention.
- Recreation/Rest areas: While these should not be
a problem in Workstyle buildings, BT has not been providing
adequate rest/recreation areas in refurbished buildings. The
staff restaurant cannot double as a rest or recreation area.
A separate facility should be provided. A degree of
flexibility is obviously sensible- if there are lots of
meeting rooms, where people can go for 'quiet' or substantial
reception type areas then this may be sufficient. The rule is
what is felt to be adequate and appropriate by members
themselves
- Hot Desks: Again these should be provided as a
matter of course in Workstyle buildings. However in
refurbished buildings they are often overlooked. Since this
is a matter of BT conforming to the new accommodation
standards it, itself, has proclaimed it is worth raising.
- Cafe/Restaurant Opening Hours: This is a similar
issue to Hot Desks. If BT wants a more flexible working
environment/pattern then recreation facilities opening hours
must help to facilitate it. It is not reasonable to expect
tea/coffee snack facilities to stay open until 8pm, nor it
is reasonable for them to close at 3.30pm. Again the preference
of members on site, to suit their working patterns, should
be the key.
Problems
If you are unsure or would like further guidance on any
issue related to accommodation uplifts and refurbishment
contact your STE Field Office. In emergencies get in touch
with the Victoria Field Office on 0171-799 1822
Bulletin from Information Circular 18/97 of 17 June 1997.
|
