Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 19
19
Not Addressed
Cabinet Office acknowledges union importance, but MyCSP's refusal prompts further strike action
Recommendation
The Cabinet Office acknowledged that it is in everyone’s interests for unions and members of staff to be listened to and stated that its industrial relations team were providing support and assistance where appropriate. The Cabinet Office also acknowledged it has a responsibility to manage the risk of transfer. It made reference to ongoing discussions between the union, MyCSP and Capita, while claiming that given it was not the actual employer it could merely advise and support where appropriate.39 Following our evidence session the PCS wrote to us and stated that Capita had proposed to commence discussions with a view to recognising PCS in relation to members employed on the Scheme once the contract commences on 1 December 2025.40 However, on 1 August 2025 PCS announced a further six weeks of strike action, citing MyCSP’s continuing refusal to recognise the union or include it in negotiations.41
Government Response Summary
The government responds to a different recommendation on contingency plans for the Capita transition rather than addressing the issues around union recognition and employee negotiations.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
5. PAC conclusion: There is a clear risk that Capita will not be ready to take over administration of the Scheme as planned on 1st December 2025. 5. PAC recommendation: • The Cabinet Office needs to fully develop contingency plans should Capita be unable to take over the administration on 1st December 2025. • The Cabinet Office should write to the Committee with an update on the transition plans following the decision to go ahead with the transition. 5.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Recommendation implemented 5.2 The Cabinet Office has requirements in place with the current provider MyCSP in the event of a failure in the implementation cutover. This includes the provision to roll back the system with MyCSP should issues arise across the cutover period, this will allow the government to continue to deliver the service with MyCSP until 31st December 2025. Additionally, the government has options with MyCSP to extend support until the end of May 2026, should this be required. 5.3 The Cabinet Office made a decision that the services will transfer to Capita on the 1st December 2025. It is unlikely that the government will extend the MyCSP contract as a result of this. 5.4 The Cabinet Office has ensured that there is sufficient contingency in the Capita systems to ensure the delivery of service is increased this includes tightening of the commercial levers which will hold Capita to account for failures. 5.5 Capita has worked collaboratively with relevant stakeholders and suppliers to develop strategies for identification and resolution of problems and risks. The Cabinet Office is confident that the service proposed and tested by Capita is robust and will generate real change to the members via increased automation and digitisation. 5.6 The Cabinet Office has informed the Committee chair of the decision to proceed with the transition to Capita.