D.S.I.R. backs down over redundancies

Press, 21 May 1988, Page 34

D.S.I.R. backs down over redundancies

PA Wellington The D.S.I.R. has backed down on a staff circular which told 12 of its scientists and technicians there would be no work for them within a year. The circular, which was distributed at the department’s physics and engineering laboratory in Lower Hutt, named staff throughout the division whose projects would run out in six to 12 months. But after intervention from the Public Service Association the notices have been withdrawn. The D.S.I.R. directorgeneral, Dr Jim Ellis, said issuing the names was 'a “misunderstanding.”

The 12 had now been told they were in the same position as the rest

of the physics and engineering staff — under no, immediate threat of redundancy. The list had been circulated by mistake. In fact no assessment of staff requirements could be made because the annual budget review was not complete, Dr Ellis said. It would be complete in June.

The P.S.A. Wellington regional secretary, Mr Francis Wevers, said the P.S.A. met the D.S.I.R. on Friday to have the situation cleared up. The 12 concerned were continuing with their work, and it appeared some effort would be made to either find more funding for their present projects or transfer them to other work.