UNISON - Derbyshire County - the public service union

Derbyshire County Unison News : 02 March 2010

'Think again', Chesterfield told

UNISON has urged Chesterfield Borough Council to abandon plans to privatise its corporate services and housing departments after two of the three bidders withdrew.

And the union branch will meet on Monday 8 March to decide the next steps in the campaign against the privatisation.

The Liberal Democrat controlled council has also announced plans to out-source the running of its two leisure centres, and UNISON fears this will only result in staff cuts and the removal of leisure services.

Three private companies had been interested in taking over the corporate services and housing contract in a 'public private partnership' but yesterday, the council told unions that two have pulled out. Now only one bidder remains, but the council still plans to push through a contract in May.

But UNISON says the privatisation process has now become a sham and should be dropped in favour of an in-house review of services.

“The workforce at Chesterfield is already lean and productive and it comes as no surprise that two companies have decided they cannot make a profit from the contract,” commented UNISON East Midlands regional organiser Dawn Bushnell.

“UNISON is amazed that a council would press ahead with only one bidder left in the game. This process is now a sham and should be halted.”

 

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