Council ‘backs down’ on plans to lay off 73 after ministerial intervention by Deidre Hargey

On Monday the council decided to pay off 73 workers due to “a significant reduction” in income resulting in what it said was “an unprecedented financial challenge”.

It added that the UK-wide government furlough scheme was “not expected to be used by local authorities unless certain specific situations apply and in the event that we are eligible, it is likely that this will only cover a small percentage of the current budget gap”.

Thus it was proposing the 73 lay offs “subject to trade union consultation”. All 73, a mixture of agency and contracted workers, received letters advising them of proposal.

Trade union NIPSA said it was “surprised” that the council had not, in its view, adequately explored furloughing the staff. But it acknowledged that councils have suffered significant losses of revenue from the paying public, for example at leisure centres.

Then on Wednesday night Minister for Communities Deirdre Hargey said she will not support the actions of councils if they do not respect worker’s rights, adding that councils should exhaust all options to protect workers.

“Of course I share Councils’ concerns about their ongoing financial sustainability,” she said. “But this a time for careful consideration of all the options before taking action.”

On Thursday afternoon the council welcomed her statement, adding that it needs “urgent clarity” on the furlough scheme from her.

It added: “Given the Minister’s statement, we will temporarily defer the Council’s proposal to release 46 short service staff. However, until clarity is received, the Council will continue to plan for the urgent action it may need to take in order to ensure that we can continue to provide essential services. The Council will have no choice but to consider the position again in two weeks’ time should the matter not be resolved.”

The spokesman said it had already requested that Employment Agencies it uses furlough its casual workers.

He added that the council is forecasting an “unprecedented shortfall” in rates income but has a legal responsibility to avoid insolvency.

NIPSA official Natalie Sheil welcomed the developments. “However we are very disappointed that the council did not look into these options before making such ruthless decisions about people’s livelihoods,” she said.

Trade unions NIPSA, the GMB and Unite had been advising the council that furlough options were available for all 73 workers, she said, claiming that it was only when Minister Hargey said the same thing in a statement that the council began to listen.

“Now they are in a position where we are hoping for a reversal of this initial decision. Other councils have been actively seeking information on furloughing for quite some time.”

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