Fears over 450 council job cuts
NOTTINGHAM City Council is aiming to axe more than 450 jobs – saving £14m – after redundancy consultations.
More than 180 employees have been accepted for voluntary redundancy and 200 are applying for vacancies but remain at risk.
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City Council leader Jon Collins
The council may still make those who cannot find alternative jobs within the organisation compulsorily redundant.
The latest figures have been released after formal consultation ended on May 26.
Union leaders say the cuts could affect some of the city's most vulnerable young people.
Council leader Jon Collins said: "Along with all organisations we are responding to budget pressures brought about by the global recession and so some time ago we introduced a robust vacancy management process to not only reduce immediate costs in these difficult times, but to provide redeployment options for employees at risk of redundancy.
"We have concluded the collective consultation period, during which we have listened to suggestions from employees and union representatives, which in some cases has led to the council revising some of its initial proposals.
"Through voluntary redundancies we have significantly reduced the number of people at risk and are continuing our dialogue with employees and trade unions to ensure the number of compulsory redundancies is minimised and ensure that services continue to be provided.
"We appreciate employees' ongoing professionalism and commitment to deliver high-quality services during this difficult time."
The council is focused on protecting vulnerable children and is providing support for the disabled and elderly with an extra £15.9m over the next three years.
But job cuts are set to be made in two teams which provide services to vulnerable young people, and will bring in specialist consultants who will work across both areas.
The Gypsy Roma Traveller (GRT) and Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Support teams are to be restructured with job cuts.
Consultants are to be brought in to work with schools and will be more qualified than the current teams, the council says.
Current GRT and BME Support workers are now required to gain a teaching qualification in order to work in the new team.
The GRT team works with children in the travelling community and aims to raise attainment and attendance.
They target those at risk and provide support for families, pupils and schools.
BME workers provide support in schools and deter children from racism by supporting schools to overcome cultural and language barriers.
A Unison spokesman said: "We are representing employees who have worked with hundreds of children who are now being told they do not have the skills to do the job.
"Staff who have developed skills in vital areas of education, are to be replaced with more highly paid consultants and there are fears that people who are in touch with the community are going to be lost.
"The savings the council is saying it will make from making staff redundant seem small once they have received redundancy settlements."
A city council spokesman said: "We are changing the way we deliver these services but service users shouldn't be adversely affected by this.
"These functions can be carried out effectively as part of existing mainstream work to support children and young people."
michael.greenwell@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk
16 Comments
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by concerned, nottingham
Tuesday, August 18 2009, 10:00AM
“an average consulant costs between £400 & £800 a day, i know of councils who have wasted £100s of thousands on them and then staff have had to mop up the work afterwards. It's poor financial management.”
by observer, Nottingham
Tuesday, June 16 2009, 12:52PM
“14 million does not apply to the staff who have gone, it's all the ongoing costs as well. Your average Council worker is not on a high wage at all. It's amazing how judgemental the general public can be when all they know is what they read in the local evening paper.”
by elizabeth, bulwell
Friday, June 12 2009, 8:16PM
“no wonder rents and council tax is so high in notts if 450 people are being paid 14 millon it's surprising we can afford them lets get rid of them and save ourselves a fortune”
by liz, bulwell
Friday, June 12 2009, 8:14PM
“it just goes to show how much the council workers are being paid if they are to save 14 million pounds what are they on a week much more than the people who pay rent and council tax no wonder rents and council tax is so high”
by Lesta, Lace Market
Friday, June 12 2009, 8:01PM
“It's sad when people lose their jobs but do we really need Gypsy Roma Traveller (GRT) and Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) Support teams ?”
by Have A Go Hero, Nottingham
Friday, June 12 2009, 7:35PM
“Mr Collins please consult us not the consultants and our answer would be to you.
You have to Go Heir Collins, your consulting days are numbered read the comments and you will see there is no love lost and what little respect you had as the Labour leader has almost faded away.
Lead your Lemmins over the cliffs with you Mr Collins”
by Have A Go Hero, Nottingham
Friday, June 12 2009, 7:19PM
“Hier Collins says.
Along with all organisations we are responding to budget pressures brought about by the global recession.
What about ICELANDIC recession, soon forgotten isnt it.
If anyone should be made redundant its the bloke in the picture on the right hand side of the story.
Who is it, he's a scruffy beggar in he.”
by h, Nottingham
Friday, June 12 2009, 7:18PM
“Hier Collins says.
Along with all organisations we are responding to budget pressures brought about by the global recession.
What about ICELANDIC recession, soon forgotten isnt it.
If anyone should be made redundant its the bloke in the picture on the right hand side of the story.
Who is it, he's a scruffy beggar in he.”
by Bart, Nottingham
Friday, June 12 2009, 3:02PM
“How come they are still paying out for staff from temping agencies while they are looking to make permanent staff redundant - is this legal?”
by daleabb, nottingham
Friday, June 12 2009, 2:59PM
“How do you become a consultant?
Must pay well anyone know the going rate?”