As has been widely reported, Birmingham City Council faces an unprecedented financial challenge over the next few years. By 2013/14 it is predicted that the council will need to save £330million.
The council has a number of strategies in place to minimise the impact on citizens, services and employees.
As part of this strategy and in line with previous practices, the council is currently in discussions with trade union colleagues and will be contacting employees in the near future on the opportunity to allow a controlled number of voluntary redundancies.
Employees will be able to express an interest which does not commit either side. It is intended to allow both parties to explore whether or not such an option is appropriate, although some requests may be refused if they are unaffordable or if the roles are critical to the council’s future direction and plans.
This exercise will be undertaken at a council-wide level. As it is a voluntary process, some people may not be interested. Further information for employees will be made available as appropriate by the usual internal communication mechanisms.
The council is working with trade unions colleagues on this voluntary redundancy exercise as a measure to mitigate against the potential for compulsory redundancies. The trade unions will be supporting their members throughout the process.
Stephen Hughes, Chief Executive of Birmingham City Council, said: “Reshaping and remodelling services and aligning our workforce in order to meet our citizen requirements is the only sensible way forward.
“We appreciate this is a difficult time for all our employees and we are doing all we can to minimise the need for staff reductions on a compulsory basis. “
Roger Jenkins, Regional Organiser – GMB, said: “We will work together with the Council in order to avoid any compulsory job losses. The GMB sees a voluntary redundancy exercise as a positive step forward.”
ENDS
For more information, contact: Kris Kowalewski on 0121 303 3621
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