Thomas Bridge 22 April 2013

Unite: Bromley ‘blackmailing’ staff to accept lower pay

Bromley LBC has ‘blackmailed’ staff to sign inferior contracts or face joblessness, a trade union has said.

Trade union Unite has claimed over 500 workers at Bromley are being told they will face unemployment unless they sign a new contract with lower pay and inferior conditions by 23 April.

Bromley LBC has denied claims that the local authority plans to dismiss staff on 23 April, adding that 84% of staff have accepted a new local contract which maintains terms and conditions for two years.

Unite warned that the new contracts could force a low paid workforce into poverty, consequently damaging the local economy.

Unite regional officer, Onay Kasab, said: ‘The threat to sack these workers by the close of play on Tuesday 23 April unless they sign the new contracts (or face the so-called “dismissal and re-engagement” process) smacks of blackmail.

‘Workers should not be penalised for valiantly upholding the principle and reality of agreements negotiated nationally.’

Responding to the claims, a council spokesperson said: ‘There are good reasons why the council is implementing local terms and conditions.

‘Given the changing face of local authorities we believe local control will give greater emphasis to local circumstances and improve the council’s ability to recruit and retain the right staff, and reward committed, hard working, exceptional performers through challenging times.’

The council said that over 50 consultations have been held with staff and their representatives on the proposals, while the statutory 45-day consultation would be undertaken to mitigate needs for dismissal.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Oxfordshire County Council
£62215 - £72293
How about joining The Clinical Team at Oxfordshire County Council in our new Community Family Clinic initiative? Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2114e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£37,035 - £37,938
Are you an experienced and motivated professional looking to take the next step in your traffic management career? Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£16,415.00 - £16,675.23 Grade 4, 24.5 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£14,070.00 - £14,293.05 Grade 4, 21 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Recruitment Support Officer

Durham County Council
£25,584 to £27,711 p.a. (Grade 5) pay award pending
We are looking for a Recruitment Support Officer to join our team on a temporary basis until 31 March 2026. In this role, you will provide a comprehe Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner