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UCATT Alarmed at Birmingham Council Contract Madness

UCATT members working for Morrisons in Birmingham have been left fearing for their long-term futures after it was revealed that the Council is intent on splitting up the contract they work on.

The Council’s decision has horrified tenants groups who fear that the new proposals will lead to a far poorer service.

Morrisons currently holds the contract to provide both repairs and capital works in the north of the Birmingham. Morrisons have met all their Key Performance Indicators, have substantially reduced sickness rates and are regularly used as an example of best practice by other local authorities and private contractors.

Despite these achievements the council is intending to split the existing contract into seven areas from next April. The repairs contract will be split into two contracts, the capital programme will be divided between three existing contractors. The calls centre will be handed to Vertex whose performance has previously attracted criticism in the city. Part of the contract will also transfer to the contractor who is responsible for the southern part of the city, due to boundary changes.

Steve Murphy, UCATT’s Midlands Regional Secretary, said: “This latest madness from Birmingham Council is a kick in the teeth for tenants and workers alike. This is a high performing service, which has won widespread approval. It is simply crazy to even consider splitting it seven ways. This will cause huge instability and tenants will inevitably experience a poorer service.”

It is feared that the transfer process could lead to workers being made redundant, being forced to accept poorer pay and conditions and have a question mark placed over their pensions.

Mr Murphy added: “My members have made enormous efforts to improve their level of service. They have embraced new working practices, undertaken multi-skilling and are properly engaging with tenants. To be treated this way by the council and to face real uncertainty on their futures in the run up to Christmas, is frankly disgraceful.”