PCS: Union anger at British Council jobs axe

Thursday, 11 June 2009 12:00 AM

PCS today condemned the British Council's announcement that it intends to cut up to 500 jobs over the next two years and consider offshoring work to India.

In a message to staff issued today the British Council, which promotes Britain overseas, announced that it intends to reduce its staff by up to 40% over the next two years. This will affect workers based in five offices across the UK - Belfast, Cardiff, Edinburgh, London and Manchester. Although a voluntary exit scheme has been announced, compulsory redundancies have not been ruled out.

Tony Fisher, PCS branch secretary, said: "Our members are understandably devastated by the news. With mortgages and bills to pay, they simply cannot afford to lose their employment in the present economic climate."

The announcement comes only hours after Lord Kinnock stood down as Chair, citing a conflict of interest following his wife's appointment as Europe Minister.

Mark Serwotka, PCS general secretary added: "We are angry that we have been given very little consultation over these proposals and will be doing everything we can to ensure that no member is forced out of their job. It comes as a surprise that the British Council, whose remit is to promote Britain abroad, is even considering offshoring jobs.

These proposed job losses, if not resisted, will add to the already rising unemployment figures and do nothing to help economic recovery."

Ends

Notes to editors

For further information, interviews and comment please contact Tom Grinyer, Director of Campaigns and Communications on 020 7801 2745 or 07833 918179.

PCS, the Public and Commercial Services Union is the union representing civil and public servants in central government. It has 300,000 members in over 200 departments and agencies. It also represents workers in parts of government transferred to the private sector.

PCS is the UK's fifth largest union and is affiliated to the TUC. The general secretary is Mark Serwotka and the president is Janice Godrich.

PCS has 700 members working at the British Council.

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