Thursday 10 Oct 2013 @ 12:35
WiredGov Newswire (news from other organisations)
WiredGov Newswire (news from other organisations)
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Unite to oppose plans by Hull council to sack its entire 6,700 workforce
Plans by Hull City Council to sack its 6,733-strong workforce and re-employ them on inferior terms and conditions have been strongly condemned by Unite, the union.
Unite national officer for local authorities Fiona Farmer blamed the reduction of funding by communities and local government secretary Eric Pickles for ‘the draconian action’ that the council – one of the region’s largest employers - has been forced to take.
Unite called on the council to pull back from the brink, even at this late stage, and reconsider its plans which will have a devastating impact on the workforce and the local community.
Unite and other staff side unions will be meeting in Hull today (Wednesday 9 October) to coordinate a strategy to combat this move that will hit one of the most deprived areas in the region. A ballot for industrial action will be on the agenda.
Unite said the proposals would mean 'reducing the working week and swingeing cuts to overtime rates and allowances which will, in turn, hit vulnerable people, including the elderly receiving social care'.
Fiona Farmer said: “We call on the council, even at this stage, to draw back from these proposals which will have a devastating impact on the workforce and the public who rely on the authority’s services on a daily basis.........
The council wants to make £48 million in savings for the financial year 2014/15 and on Monday announced the 45-day consultation period on its plans. The council has threatened that if staff don’t accept the cuts to pay and conditions by 1 December, they will be sacked and re-employed on inferior terms and conditions from 1 April 2014.
ENDS
For further information please contact Unite senior communications officer Shaun Noble on 07768 693940
