Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has today reaffirmed its commitment to protecting jobs and essential services, following the release of what they say is inaccurate information by the GMB Union.
They’ve said:
From the outset, Rhondda Cynon Taf councillors have made it clear that it was their wish to seek measures which would hopefully avoid the need for compulsory redundancies, when it began considering options to bridge the funding gap, estimated at around £60M over the next three years, brought about by the UK Government’s Comprehensive Spending Review.
A review of employee terms and conditions is currently under consideration to protect frontline services and staff employment.
Council Leader, Councillor Russell Roberts said: “We have made clear that we want to avoid the need for compulsory redundancies, a route many other authorities have already embarked upon and I would have hoped the GMB would wish to work with us to deliver this.
“At a recent Council meeting, officers were instructed to come forward with a range of options, which would help meet the funding gap we face as a result of the cuts we expect from the UK government, these options would protect important services and vital local jobs.
“The Council believes that by implementing changes to terms and conditions, significant savings can be realised which would otherwise need to be achieved by job losses. We do not want to go down that road and that is why officers of the Council are seeking options to protect Council jobs and I would have thought the GMB would support this approach.
“We are working in the best interest of the Council and its employees and the amended terms and conditions, will affect, everyone from the top to the bottom within the Council.
“The changes proposed are not being made through choice, but as a consequence of the sweeping cuts set to be imposed by the UK government.
“I hope the GMB will follow the actions of other unions representing Council employees and work with us to protect public services and public sector jobs from the actions of the UK government.”
Keith Griffiths, Chief Executive of the Council said: “The trade unions were invited to engage with the Council to explore the options for dealing with the reductions in funding we are set to face. We were, therefore, extremely disappointed when the GMB Union decided to conduct their negotiations through the media.
“As a result of the CSR, the Council is likely to face a funding shortfall of around £60M over the next three years. It is envisaged that by reviewing the terms and conditions of employees, we will hopefully be able to avoid the need for compulsory redundancies and in turn, protect hundreds of local jobs within the Council. This remains our paramount objective.
“For clarification, the reason a formal letter was issued to the trade unions was to formally start the process of consulting with them, as required by law, about the proposed changes to terms and conditions of employment. The letter also sets out the reasons why the Council has to look at these issues.
“I reiterate that the section 188 letter to the trade unions does not mean that there will be compulsory job losses as a consequence of the proposed changes to terms and conditions of employment. Indeed, the object of this exercise is to negate or reduce compulsory job losses.”
The List of changes to terms and conditions which have been presented for discussion include:
- A revised pay and grading structure for staff
- A review of the payment of car allowances
- A review of enhancement for overtime working
- A review of payments for sickness absence
This Council always works closely with the trade unions and their officials have been involved in several informal and formal meetings over the last few months in relation to these specific issues and the broader need for the Council to find solutions to the likely funding gap created by the Comprehensive Spending Review.
