Clerical Officer 2020

telebingo94 · 13-01-2021 01:25AM

Nigel Fairservice wrote: »

Yes, €471.20 before USC, PAYE, PRSI and pension.

Thanks. And is this paid weekly or monthly usually?

Nigel Fairservice · 13-01-2021 01:36AM

telebingo94 wrote: »

Thanks. And is this paid weekly or monthly usually?

COs are paid weekly.

Xenji · 13-01-2021 01:45AM

Nigel Fairservice wrote: »

COs are paid weekly.

Fortnightly in local authorities.

Tashajulia1993 · 13-01-2021 01:58AM

Xenji wrote: »

Fortnightly in local authorities.

What would be considered a local authority if you dont mind me asking?

Nigel Fairservice · 13-01-2021 01:59AM

Tashajulia1993 wrote: »

What would be considered a local authority if you dont mind me asking?

City and county councils. They would be public servants, not civil servants.

Tashajulia1993 · 13-01-2021 02:07AM

Nigel Fairservice wrote: »

City and county councils. They would be public servants, not civil servants.

Ok thank you, so AGS would still be weekly pay?

Nigel Fairservice · 13-01-2021 02:08AM

Tashajulia1993 wrote: »

Ok thank you, so AGS would still be weekly pay?

They are weekly, civil service.

Sweetiesloth · 13-01-2021 09:30AM

I am me123 wrote: »

Thanks.
My offer stated the contract was an open contract for a mimimum of 8 weeks. I note the word mimimum as meaning I could have got more than 8 weeks.
I didnt apply for the 2021 TCO competition.
I intend to apply for the 2021 clerical officer campaign when the application process opens.
I didn't think to enquire about a reference from my manager when I left, but am not even sure if they'd give me a reference or a good reference. Would it be appropriate to email them and ask?
I've heard it is illegal for an employer to give a bad reference, either they give a good reference or none at all. Is this accurate?

'Minimum' is a standard wording and is used in every contract. Yours was 8 weeks and you done your 8 weeks. You were unfortunate to get a short contract but unfortunately that is the luck of the draw when applying for TCO . You either accept or decline and that's you done for that year's panel.

You doubt yourself all the time. There shouldn't be any reason for you to get a bad reference from your contract.

Molly2016 · 14-01-2021 01:20PM

Hi there any idea of no their on in kerry thanks

beenhad · 14-01-2021 04:03PM

Looking for advice, was originally offered a permanent post with AGS they cancelled as I got an email stating that my previous TCO department had requested to retain me. I refused other job offers also as I thought I was just waiting on start date ect. I received outstanding references from both my previous employers both civil service temp contracts. I was informed all I needed was to forward references. I received another email from clearance stating that they'd rescinded offer due to 23 days sick leave. 16 - 19 were due to close contacts of covid. I was fine. My GP asked me to leave the building on one occasion and the other occasion my EO sent me home. I have applied for appeal but no information has been sent back to me. I can't get a human on the phone! Any advice please? I'm devastated. Working through pandemic got 2 buses to work up at 6 not home until 7.

Kirbi · 14-01-2021 04:36PM

This seems weird - I thought that kind of leave wouldn't be on your sick record at all?

It should be special leave due to covid, I think.

bangors85 · 14-01-2021 04:38PM

Did you have to do interview for permanent?

Samsgirl · 14-01-2021 06:32PM

beenhad wrote: »

Looking for advice, was originally offered a permanent post with AGS they cancelled as I got an email stating that my previous TCO department had requested to retain me. I refused other job offers also as I thought I was just waiting on start date ect. I received outstanding references from both my previous employers both civil service temp contracts. I was informed all I needed was to forward references. I received another email from clearance stating that they'd rescinded offer due to 23 days sick leave. 16 - 19 were due to close contacts of covid. I was fine. My GP asked me to leave the building on one occasion and the other occasion my EO sent me home. I have applied for appeal but no information has been sent back to me. I can't get a human on the phone! Any advice please? I'm devastated. Working through pandemic got 2 buses to work up at 6 not home until 7.

Covid leave / isolation does not count towards your cumulative sick leave. There should be a HR directive on that. Google should point you in the right direction. HRM who look after HR for AGS might be helpful to you. Im not at work at the moment so I don't have contact details for them but should be easy enough to find online.

I know if you're in your probationary period the allowance for sick days is 21 days before it can affect promotion or being made permanent.

Kerrybell · 14-01-2021 10:17PM

Molly2016 wrote: »

Hi there any idea of no their on in kerry thanks

I emailed Monday, they have called as far as no 22 for Kerry and 60 for Cork

ricksanchez · 15-01-2021 01:14PM

Anyone know if there's been much movement in Dublin?

sineadglam · 15-01-2021 01:16PM

ricksanchez wrote: »

Anyone know if there's been much movement in Dublin?

Batch 16 oom in the 50's

Confirmed with PAS this morning

Yogibear 1 · 15-01-2021 04:54PM

Hi I was wondering if anyone can help, I was assigned to the Department if Justice in a certain county in early December after Garda vetting was complete I got an email from justice HR just confirm addresses, as they were doing a security check, this was also early December. I was told location of the dept of justice so it is not an AGS assignment, does it normally take so long for a security check, I understand with level 5 restrictions may be delayed but I also emailed justice HR last week got automated reply and that is it ? Anyone assignment delayed in the Department of Justice ?

I am me123 · 15-01-2021 06:03PM

Question re - permanent Clerical Officer campaigns..

Are they a 'closed shop' as it were?

Are TCO's who have passed their probationary period and proven to be up to the job generally the only candidates considered for positions if they have applied for same?

All advice welcome.
Thanks

Nigel Fairservice · 15-01-2021 06:09PM

I am me123 wrote: »

Question re - permanent Clerical Officer campaigns..

Are they a 'closed shop' as it were?

Are TCO's who have passed their probationary period and proven to be up to the job generally the only candidates considered for positions if they have applied for same?

All advice welcome.
Thanks

No, there is no favouritism if you've been a TCO previously. Everyone is treated the same.

Bicyclette · 15-01-2021 07:06PM

I am me123 wrote: »

Question re - permanent Clerical Officer campaigns..

Are they a 'closed shop' as it were?

Are TCO's who have passed their probationary period and proven to be up to the job generally the only candidates considered for positions if they have applied for same?

All advice welcome.
Thanks

The CO campaigns are run separately from the TCO campaign. Everyone does the competency tests and their merit is allocated on that basis. The only time you might have an advantage is during the interview process because you know what the work entails and you have an idea how the CS works. But everyone is treated fairly. They are looking for the best people for the job. And there are some very talented people, who have not done TCO work, who apply for the CO positions.

I know some long-serving TCOs who didn't do well in the competency tests in the CO campaign.

sineadglam · 15-01-2021 07:38PM

Yogibear 1 wrote: »

Hi I was wondering if anyone can help, I was assigned to the Department if Justice in a certain county in early December after Garda vetting was complete I got an email from justice HR just confirm addresses, as they were doing a security check, this was also early December. I was told location of the dept of justice so it is not an AGS assignment, does it normally take so long for a security check, I understand with level 5 restrictions may be delayed but I also emailed justice HR last week got automated reply and that is it ? Anyone assignment delayed in the Department of Justice ?

Yes unfortunately AGS and DoJ both have extensive in depth vetting. 12 weeks plus is what most people are waiting.

I am me123 · 15-01-2021 07:56PM

Bicyclette wrote: »

The CO campaigns are run separately from the TCO campaign. Everyone does the competency tests and their merit is allocated on that basis. The only time you might have an advantage is during the interview process because you know what the work entails and you have an idea how the CS works. But everyone is treated fairly. They are looking for the best people for the job. And there are some very talented people, who have not done TCO work, who apply for the CO positions.

I know some long-serving TCOs who didn't do well in the competency tests in the CO campaign.

Thanks. If someone has previously held a post as a TCO or CO within a certain period of time, are they exempt from stage 2 interview or am I mistaken when applying for the permanant campaign?

November Golf · 15-01-2021 08:10PM

I am me123 wrote: »

Thanks. If someone has previously held a post as a TCO or CO within a certain period of time, are they exempt from stage 2 interview or am I mistaken when applying for the permanant campaign?

In the TCO 2021 campaign, a person that completed a TCO contract in the past 3 years were exempt from the Interview stage. however this is the first year that has occurred.

The permanent CO campaign is completely separate from the TCO. If you apply for the CO role, you will need to go through the Interview Stage.

The interview for the TCO and CO are similar in format except for time. The TCO interview is usually 15-20 mins, While the permanent CO is about 40 mins.

Bicyclette · 15-01-2021 10:25PM

I am me123 wrote: »

Thanks. If someone has previously held a post as a TCO or CO within a certain period of time, are they exempt from stage 2 interview or am I mistaken when applying for the permanant campaign?

In the past there have only been CO competitions every two years. E.g. 2016, 2018, 2020.

I applied for the 2016 CO competition, did the aptitude tests in late 2016. In 2017, I was offered a 6 month TCO contract. I was still working as a TCO when I was called for interview for a permanent CO position.

The interview was about competencies, previous work and life experience and other things. My interview was similar to that of others who didn't have previous experience as a TCO. The PAS needs to be seen as fair and impartial. Questions need to be standardised.

My HEO was asked for a reference. But any other current employer would have been asked for a reference, regardless of where the person was employed.

Reading through some of your previous posts, I'm not sure you fully understand how the PAS works. If you are offered an eight week contract, you work for eight weeks. Only in exceptional circumstances will a temporary contract be extended. There has to be a really strong business case made. And even then, there is no guarantee.

Temporary Clerical Officer Jobs do not lead to Permanent Clerical Officer Jobs. Very occasionally things dovetail really well for people - as in my case (I was incredibly lucky) - but this is very much the exception and coincidental, rather than engineered.

The situation this year is very strange. Some locations who would usually had one or more TCOs have had none. In certain cases, staff who leave are not being replaced. Flexi-time and over-time are no-longer available for most people and those working from home are working harder, smarter and sometimes longer (its common enough for people to work more than their core hours). People have had to be flexible, adaptive and creative in their work.

In a nutshell, you were exceptionally lucky to have got eight weeks temporary work. Don't rock the boat. Don't let people think you have a sense of entitlement. You may need those references going forward.

telebingo94 · 15-01-2021 11:36PM

Bicyclette wrote: »

In the past there have only been CO competitions every two years. E.g. 2016, 2018, 2020.

I applied for the 2016 CO competition, did the aptitude tests in late 2016. In 2017, I was offered a 6 month TCO contract. I was still working as a TCO when I was called for interview for a permanent CO position.

The interview was about competencies, previous work and life experience and other things. My interview was similar to that of others who didn't have previous experience as a TCO. The PAS needs to be seen as fair and impartial. Questions need to be standardised.

My HEO was asked for a reference. But any other current employer would have been asked for a reference, regardless of where the person was employed.

Reading through some of your previous posts, I'm not sure you fully understand how the PAS works. If you are offered an eight week contract, you work for eight weeks. Only in exceptional circumstances will a temporary contract be extended. There has to be a really strong business case made. And even then, there is no guarantee.

Temporary Clerical Officer Jobs do not lead to Permanent Clerical Officer Jobs. Very occasionally things dovetail really well for people - as in my case (I was incredibly lucky) - but this is very much the exception and coincidental, rather than engineered.

The situation this year is very strange. Some locations who would usually had one or more TCOs have had none. In certain cases, staff who leave are not being replaced. Flexi-time and over-time are no-longer available for most people and those working from home are working harder, smarter and sometimes longer (its common enough for people to work more than their core hours). People have had to be flexible, adaptive and creative in their work.

In a nutshell, you were exceptionally lucky to have got eight weeks temporary work. Don't rock the boat. Don't let people think you have a sense of entitlement. You may need those references going forward.

Thank you for all this info. Is flexi-time not available due to the Covid situation ?

Bicyclette · 16-01-2021 12:00AM

telebingo94 wrote: »

Thank you for all this info. Is flexi-time not available due to the Covid situation ?

A significant proportion of people are working from home. We have a different type of flexibility, so flexi-time has been suspended. Some people who are working in the office do have flexi-time but there aren't a lot of people.

Our working week is now spread over seven days, which allows people the ability to fit their work around childcare, in many cases. Generally people do a Monday to Friday. But you can start earlier and work later and if you don't get the work done and your hours worked up between Monday and Friday, you can catch up on Saturday and/or Sunday.

Clearly there can be deadlines at certain times, and screen meetings where you need to be present. But my personal experience is that senior management understand that lots of people are trying to juggle lots of things at lots of different times. Yes, there are times when you'd love to work up some time and spend a full day in bed or out in the garden reading a book. But then you think of times you've had to take a child or a parent to a medical appointment or a dental appointment or even do a click and collect at a specific time and how much easier it is to do now.

Mrs OBumble · 16-01-2021 01:27AM

Bicyclette wrote: »

If you are offered an eight week contract, you work for eight weeks. Only in exceptional circumstances will a temporary contract be extended. There has to be a really strong business case made. And even then, there is no guarantee.

An absolutely spot-on post.

One thing to add: I am aware of one agency which has sometimes offered contracts of unspecified duration. They promise 8 weeks minimum, but some people are kept on for longer if the volume of work is there. (Hint: think which agency has had some huge changes in volume of work this year. as hundreds of thousands of people have applied for things at short notice).

I suspect they have a statement like "and a maximum of 12 months" or similar - but haven't seen one to confirm: there's likely some verbal gymnastics to be 100% clear that this is NOT a contract of indefinite duration (the legal jargon for permanent), so they are probably confusing to red.

I am me123 · 16-01-2021 03:48PM

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

An absolutely spot-on post.

One thing to add: I am aware of one agency which has sometimes offered contracts of unspecified duration. They promise 8 weeks minimum, but some people are kept on for longer if the volume of work is there. (Hint: think which agency has had some huge changes in volume of work this year. as hundreds of thousands of people have applied for things at short notice).

I suspect they have a statement like "and a maximum of 12 months" or similar - but haven't seen one to confirm: there's likely some verbal gymnastics to be 100% clear that this is NOT a contract of indefinite duration (the legal jargon for permanent), so they are probably confusing to red.

Thank you. My job offer stated that it was 'an open contract for a minimum of 8 weeks'. TBF I did my 8 week stint, with the 8 weeks finishing just before Christmas, with me being let go just after Christmas. Also it mentioned that my appointment 'could not result in a contract of indefinite duration' so I guess that indicates that I'd be finishing up there sooner than later.

ari101 · 16-01-2021 05:35PM

I am me123 wrote: »

Also it mentioned that my appointment 'could not result in a contract of indefinite duration' so I guess that indicates that I'd be finishing up there sooner than later.

This is included for legal reasons. Contracts of indefinite duration have legal rights similar to permanent contracts. If someone is on a temp contract with no specified end date, this language prevents them from claiming it is a contract of indefinite duration and should continue. (This is separate to the time length after which, regardless of specified end date, I believe all temp/fixed contracts automatically become CIDs. I don't remember the specifics of the amount of time but it is a couple of years.).

16-01-2021 06:23PM

Family member in Dublin was sent an eoi for customs, I see they have sent them out a couple of times since last year but they are wondering if anyone went for the role if they had feedback on it on now they are finding things, are you given any option of where to work eg airport/port/mail centre ect?

Clerical Officer 2020

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