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Press Release

Hackney drug centre deal gives staff greater 'say' on future services

20 February 2012

Employees at the troubled Hackney drug treatment centre Lifeline are to have a greater 'say' in the future development of services.

Unite, the largest union in the country, hammered out a deal with Lifeline's chief executive, Ian Wardle, which now recognises Unite's role as the trade union representing staff.

Staff had voted overwhelmingly to strike for the day on Thursday (23 February) over swingeing cuts to services for women and children at the Tudor Grove centre – but following the recognition agreement that walk-out has been called off.

In a message to members Unite regional officer Jamie Major said: “This is great news. It will ensure that you have a say in any future decisions about the service provisions that are provided to the community in Hackney.

“It is all down to your resolve and the fact that you have stuck together to make sure that Hackney residents get the service they deserve and a service that you, as the providers, can be proud of.”

Lifeline, funded by Hackney borough council, has shut its support service for the children of drug and alcohol-using parents. It has also closed the specialist women's service and the drug counselling service. It has a total of 37 staff.

Jamie Major said: “This agreement will give our members a greater role in fine-tuning services for the future benefit of the Hackney community during a period which both sides recognise is financially fraught.

“It was not a dispute about our members' pay and conditions, but it was about the future development of Lifeline as a premier provider.”

Hackney council estimates that there are about 4,500 drug users in the borough - one of the highest numbers in London - and that most of these individuals have not yet been reached by the treatment services.

Lifeline Community Drug Service opened in 2008 and since then has successfully treated hundreds of local residents and provided support to the community on reducing the impact of drug use in Hackney, one of London's most deprived boroughs.



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