Member News
28th July 2010Once again we see Local Authorities cutting frontline services with no concern as to the affects on the people of Birmingham says GMB.
Birmingham City Council has informed the GMB Trade Union through a Section 188 Redundancy Notice the dismissal of up to 430 Staff.
Birmingham City Council has cited the reasons for the cuts as a direct result of a reduction in the area based grant from central government with a view to making savings of over £6 million.
The Staff affected work across a range of Children's Services including Children's Homes, Contact and Escort Services, but with the biggest hit likely to be across the Connexions Service. The Connexions Service provides direct support to 13–19 year olds, giving access to Further Education, modern Apprenticeships and Universities, as well as supporting young people in a move from education to employment. Connexions Services works closely with Colleges, Employers and Job Centre Plus.
Tony Hughes, GMB branch secretary says, "These cuts will cause a severe detriment to the lives of children in the City of Birmingham and will affect the most vulnerable young people".
Leonard Haye, GMB workplace organiser at Birmingham Connexions said, "These kind of cuts to the Connexions service will directly affect the future of the City's young adults with nowhere to go in accessing help to making key decisions in relation to jobs and learning and with no access to quality career advice and guidance".
Roger Jenkins, GMB regional organiser said, "Once again we see Local Authorities cutting frontline services with no concern as to the affects on the people of Birmingham. At a time when cuts are being made in Further Education and unemployment is rising our young people need advice and guidance more than ever. This is the worst time to cut these vital services and leave our young people with no hope or no direction. GMB members within the Connexions Service provide a vital role in our community and any cuts will be felt across the City".
Dods Parliamentary Communications Ltd