On Friday of last week the Children Young People and Families (CYPF) directorate, 1 of 5 in the City, made the stunning announcement that 1391 jobs are at risk of redundancy.
Front line services are included, despite the media reassurances from national political parties. All City Council nursery provision is under threat. The City is considering privatisation and 315 jobs could go. Youth services are to be cut meaning another 708 jobs at risk. Other areas at risk include the CYPF commissioning service. http://www.cypnow.co.uk/news/978132/Birmingham-youth-early-years-services-jobs-threat/?
The City Council require £27.7m savings to balance the budget this year. CYPF have to find £7.288m. A report seen by UNISON states that additional pressures including from an anticipated increased population of vulnerable young people means CYPF is seeking approx £16.3m in savings.
The City has given the required legal notification of jobs at risk to UNISON and has stated that redundancies could take effect as early as April. The City has written to all relevant staff to advise them of the risk.
Any redundancies will attract statutory redundancy pay only. Disgracefully the Council recently tore up an enhanced payments agreement that could have cushioned any blow
This is the latest episode of cost cutting measures. UNISON anticipates many more. Other directorates are also going through redundancy consultation. Care homes run by the adults and are closing affecting around 500 staff. Under intense UNISON pressure the City has managed to find alternatives for all who want this so far, but the pool of available alternatives is drying up.
The union is opposing these drastic cut backs. Over the next few days UNISON is surveying all areas of the City to total up all jobs and service at risk. UNISON Birmingham branch is gearing up the campaign to defend jobs and services for the people of Birmingham.
