Date: Wed 18 February 2009
50 frontline jobs at risk in Stirling as budget overspend
looms
Plans to close residential homes in Stirling as a result of
a budget overspend could result in the loss of 50 frontline
jobs, the council's UNISON branch has warned.
At a meeting with Stirling Council management on the 22nd January
2009 UNISON were issued with an HR1 possible compulsory redundancy
notice for 170 jobs. After UNISON challenged the redundancies
the SNP council leader, Graham Houston, made the following statement:
“There will be no cuts to frontline services but making
savings on this scale does mean a reduction in the number of
posts by simplifying, streamlining and standardising management
structures.”
The Depute council leader, SNP councillor Scott Farmer, challenged
UNISON’s position by stating that the SNP administration
is committed to frontline services and these changes will enable
us to deliver more effective and efficient services.
James Douglas, UNISON Stirling Branch Secretary, said:
“If this is the case, why are the council proposing to
close both Wellgreen and Beech Residential Homes which could
make 50 frontline care staff redundant.
“A decision will be taken on Thursday, 19th February,
2009, at the Council’s budget meeting with little or no
consideration given to residents, their families or the staff
affected. I would ask that the general public assist UNISON
in protecting public services by contacting their local councillor,
MSP and MP in supporting care for the elderly members of our
community.”
ends
