Two of Worcestershire’s new MPs, Labour’s Tom Collins and Chris Bloore, have called for an immediate suspension of ‘fire and rehire’ employment practices by Worcestershire County Council (WCC), pending legislation which will make the controversial practice illegal nationwide.

Conservative-run Worcestershire County Council is currently pressing ahead with plans to fire and rehire 150 staff ahead of an imminent ban by the incoming Labour government.

In a letter to WCC leadership, Mr Collins and Mr Bloore drew particular attention to impact on SEND provision by the council, an area where Ofsted and the CQC have already noted “systemic failings” in the Worcestershire area:-

“We are deeply concerned the current course of action could threaten the security of employees households, damage the goodwill of employees upon which the Council depends, and degrade the reputation of Worcestershire County Council as the flagship public institution of our fine county. It is also our view that such action would have a severe detrimental effect on the Council’s performance, as staff insecurity would impact every single area of operations and the Council’s ability to recruit and retain skilled and talented employees.”

“Furthermore, the recent Area SEND inspection of Worcestershire Local Area Partnership by CQC and OFSTED has highlighted shortcomings in areas of SEND provision that would be directly impacted by the planned contract changes. It is extremely counter=productive to put key staff under additional pressure and uncertainty while we address the crisis in SEND provision.”

“All of us are united in our shared desire to see Worcestershire County Council succeeding in its mission and serving the people of Worcestershire, including Council employees, in the very best possible way. We look forward to constructive, open and forward-looking discussions.”

Contact Details:
Mike Stafford
Worcester Labour Party
mstafford1284@gmail.com
07500 877493