Youth Service Staff ‘Facing Threat Of Sack’

Youth workers have been threatened with the sack if they don’t accept a new restructuring deal, according to documents leaked to The Herald.

The 77 workers in Plymouth Youth Services department are meeting today to vote on whether to accept the deal.

They have until tomorrow to give the city council their answer.

The department has been going through a restructuring exercise, not connected with last week’s job evaluation. Some of the 77 staff will have to reapply for their jobs, which have been regraded, according to Diana Beal of the T &G section of the Unite union.

Ms Beal said the union had sought a protection period for staff whose pay was cut. She thought up to 15 of the staff could be affected.

“They have told me that the union has to accept the offer on the table for the regrading process or they will issue a 30-day notice period for all 77 staff.

“There are no sweeteners on the table. There is a view that if we don’t get the restructuring done we’ll be privatised.

“I know there is support for the youth workers in the community, the voluntary sector and from both political parties – Labour and the Tories.”

In an email sent anonymously to The Herald, a senior officer in the Youth Services department, says they have two options: to agree to the current restructure proposals, or not to agree.

“It is important that you understand that the second scenario is not the desired option,” the email says.

“This option effectively leads us into a scenario whereby we may be left with little option but to implement 30 days notice to all youth service staff.

“This has to be considered as it would be the quickest way to get the service operational outside of the preferred option 1.”

The email goes on: “I believe that this service has excellent staff with high moral, professional and ethical standards and trust that you will seriously consider, alongside your own needs, those of the young people of Plymouth

A Plymouth City Council spokesman said last night: “With any restructure we aim to work closely with unions and staff to reach the best possible solution for all parties. There has been an extensive consultation and negotiation with the trade unions and we know that staff are keen to see the matter resolved as soon as possible.”