CVS Take over : Contracts

RE: CVS Take over : Contracts

Alison Clare Hickman — Thu, 19 Oct 2017 09:13:31 GMT

[quote user="2005nurse"]She was given a draft version to look at, but it did not contain some of the finer details. She was told that this would only be issued once she agreed to change over to it [/quote] ...

Say what?! So you are supposed to tie yourself into a contract by NOT knowing what you are signing up for? IMO - Avoid. Avoid. Avoid. Or - take it to a lawyer to peruse and get sensible advice before you decide (or not) to sign on the dotted line and commit.

As Sal the 1st reported... "nasty".

Ho hum. Another day another barsteward...

RE: CVS Take over : Contracts

Sal the 1st — Thu, 19 Oct 2017 08:02:02 GMT

[quote user="2005nurse"]

- Notice period of 2 months, increases after 5 years of employment (which would count from pre-CVS employment beginning date in the event of an acquisition)

[/quote]

First thoughts are that this one will be a difficult one to enforce - if you are essentially working for a new employer and under a new contract I don't see how they can use a pre acquisition date?

[quote user="2005nurse"]

Just a quick observation, I always thought that in this sort of event, they would have to give 28 days notice of the takeover?

[/quote]

Apparently not - its all to do with the secretive way things are done so that neighbouring practices don't get wind of it beforehand and the existing staff don't start jumping ship before the event. I have been through it myself a few times. The first time it happened (not CVS but another corporate) I got a lawyer friend to have a look at the new contract and he put it one word 'Nasty'.

I found out about the takeover on the morning it happened - (Monday) and by the Wednesday was being asked to vacate the practice flat (which was part of my wages). Sure encourages loyalty - not

RE: CVS Take over : Contracts

2005nurse — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 23:59:11 GMT

Hi,

This may vary according to region- but from a friends experience she is trying her best to stay her current contract despite extra holiday allowance she will miss out on.

She was given a draft version to look at, but it did not contain some of the finer details. She was told that this would only be issued once she agreed to change over to it (which kind of defeats the point).

The main differences for her:

- No payment for overtime worked (never specified call out fees/rate as she currently does on call)

- flexibility in which practice she will work (I think this is referred to as a mobility clause)

- CPD still paid for, but if she terminates the employment her salary will be deducted all/fraction of amount depending on time period passed. As this is up to a year period, unless no CPD is paid for, there will always be something deducted.

- RCVS fees still paid but have to claim back as an expense AFTER she has paid it.

- A deduction from her salary to cover the £1000 vehicle insurance excess in the case of a claim

- 10 days paid sick leave in a year

- Paid annual leave. For some departments it is 23 days, some is 25 (based on full time, bank hols etc on top). They told her 25, but in the example contract it said 23 for nurses.

- A vague clause that implied that in some circumstances she may be expected to undertake a more senior role without additional pay.

- Notice period of 2 months, increases after 5 years of employment (which would count from pre-CVS employment beginning date in the event of an acquisition)

There is a staff discount scheme, which is generally cost price + VAT for the practice to order in- so it is actually cheaper for her to buy her cats food online (royal canin too!). Vaccine costs are quite low though, but not much reduction for surgery.

They do currently have a recommend a friend scheme- a bit like the banks are doing- so if they employ a friend for at least a month they pay a bonus to the employee that referred them.

Hope that helps. Feel free to send a personal message.

Just a quick observation, I always thought that in this sort of event, they would have to give 28 days notice of the takeover?

RE: CVS Take over : Contracts

Katherine B — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 20:19:52 GMT

Hi I would ask to see a draft copy of a contract too,, it shouldn't be a problem I would assume.

Check holidays/bank hols

They pay your RCVS fees

On Call rota

CPD

Pension

OOH etc

You will probably find that you will be able to keep your old contract no problem. You will find it takes a while to get used to their ways but stick with it. If you can show you need nice new fancy toys you will likely get them. Which doesn't always work in general practice - boss usually complains about costs etc. Hope it all works out

RE: CVS Take over : Contracts

Steph Worsley — Wed, 18 Oct 2017 18:24:44 GMT

I don't know any particulars, but I would think they would be able to give you a draft/example contract to look through. However I would think things would be:

Holidays/bank holidays

pay increases

pension

cpd

corporate perks at different shops etc