Housing staff at cash-strapped Croydon Council are balloting for strike action today over concerns that a restructure could lead to 26 redundancies.
The council, which issued a section 114 notice last year, has proposed a restructure which could lead to job cuts in the Housing and Homelessness Team.
A council spokesperson said the London borough needs to become ‘smaller, more efficient and offer residents better value for money’.
‘The housing restructure has been open to a full, considered staff consultation process,’ the spokesperson said.
‘Despite the consultation period having come to a close, we have written to the Croydon GMB branch secretary offering to meet with colleagues concerned, so the regional decision to ballot staff on industrial action is disappointing.’
GMB union officer for Croydon Council Rachael Baylis said the plan to restructure the department was ‘unworkable and poorly thought-out’ and would cost the councils thousands in the long run.
She added: ‘The council have ignored a collective grievance submitted in April which was signed by over 80 staff regarding the failure to listen to these serious concerns and adjust their plans.
‘Our members are at their wits end which is why we are balloting for strike – short term savings will cost the council in the long run and only further damage the services.’
Sign up here to recieve our free daily news and jobs bulletin.
