PCS: Guardians of the vulnerable strike to protect services

Tuesday, 3 May 2011 12:00 AM

Staff who look after the financial affairs of vulnerable people will strike against plans for an expensive relocation under which they will effectively be forced out of their jobs, the Public and Commercial Services union announces.

The walkout on Tuesday (3 May) is part of a campaign against the relocation from London to Birmingham of 177 jobs in the Office of the Public Guardian.

The staff have been told there will be no support for those currently working in London to assist them with the move, meaning they will be effectively made compulsorily redundant. The union also fears the move is a step towards privatisation.

The employer claims the move will save money but it will cost around £22 million and it is likely fees will go up to offset the cost. The majority of clients suffer from Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's and brain damage, and are very vulnerable to exploitation and fraud.

In a ballot of the union's 140 members, 78% voted to strike, with 84% voting for industrial action short of a strike, on a turnout of 47%.

The union has put forward alternatives to relocation that would keep experienced members in work and maintain a consistent service, including moving the office into another Ministry of Justice building in London.

PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka said: "Our members are proud of the work they do and do not want to see this vital public service undermined or the people they work with face increased costs and risk.

"We have put forward alternatives that would maintain the years of experience that staff have built up, and we urge the employer to halt its plans."

ENDS

Notes

- For information and interview requests contact PCS national press officer Richard Simcox on 020 7801 2747 or 07833 978216

- The Public and Commercial Services union represents civil and public servants in central government. It has more than 300,000 members in over 200 departments and agencies, and in parts of government transferred to the private sector. PCS is the UK's sixth largest union and is affiliated to the TUC. The general secretary is Mark Serwotka and the president is Janice Godrich - on Twitter @janicegodrich

- Follow PCS on Twitter @pcs_union

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