Laura Sharman 26 January 2015

Councils agree staff merger, sparking job loss fears

A union has warned that plans for two London councils to ‘merge’ could lead to ‘massive job losses’.

Wandsworth and Richmond-upon-Thames Councils have announced proposals to create a shared staffing structure, to deliver savings of up to £10m a year for both authorities.

The plans – which both councils said is not a merger of the two authorities – include a joint chief executive.

A statement to staff from chief executive of Wandsworth, Gillian Norton, said: ‘Initially the focus would be on merging staffing structures - reducing duplication, and the proportion of spending that goes on senior management. There will also be opportunities for further savings to reduce overheads, for example, getting better deals from suppliers when commissioning services.’

However, trade union GMB said the move could see more job cuts on top of the ‘heavy’ losses already seen in the two boroughs.

Paul Grafton, GMB regional officer, said: ‘GMB is very concerned that this announcement will lead to massive job losses on top of the already heavy loss of jobs that has taken place so far.

Richmond did link up with Kingston but that deal has been torn up we understand. GMB will meet with members in both boroughs to assess where we go on this.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Chief Executive

Ebbsfleet Development Corporation
up to £165,000
Ebbsfleet is one of the UK’s most ambitious regeneration projects, a 21st-century Garden City Ebbsfleet, Kent
Recuriter: Ebbsfleet Development Corporation

Investment Marketing and Web Officer CDC

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 8, £33,708 - £37,399
The postholder should be experienced in planning social media activity, refreshing web content and analysing their impact. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Passenger Assistant (Escort) x 4 posts (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 3 - dependant on hours
The City of Doncaster Council is a confident, ambitious organisation Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Traffic Engineering Senior Technician (CDC)

City Of Doncaster Council
Grade 7, £28,132 - £30,914
You will play a key role in the planning, implementation and operation of traffic signal infrastructure across the city. Doncaster, South Yorkshire
Recuriter: City Of Doncaster Council

Modern Slavery and Violence Prevention Programme Manager

Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Band H, SCP38 - 43 (£49,282 - £54,495) per annum
Sandwell Council is seeking an experienced and visionary Modern Slavery and Violence Prevention Programme Manager Sandwell, West Midlands
Recuriter: Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner