An Isle of Wight trade unionist has requested the cabinet withdraw its school closure plans, warning that “everyone connected with the council” could be drawn into “disrepute”.
Speaking at Thursday’s cabinet meeting, Mark Chiverton, the secretary of Unison’s Isle of Wight Local Government Branch, urged the administration to “consult meaningfully over a much longer period” on new proposals to allow a different decision to be made in a “more measured way”.
His plea comes days after it emerged five trade unions representing ‘thousands of school workers on the Island’ are currently ‘in the process of initiating indicative ballots for industrial action’, following member requests.
Chiverton: Complete disquiet amongst the wider school community
Speaking on behalf of “all the trade unions”, Mr Chiverton said there was “complete disquiet amongst the wider school community” and other communities, as well as “massive concern” amongst staff.
He also raised a “very likely” legal challenge from the Diocese of Portsmouth against the closure plans.
Chiverton: More than 150 redundancies likely
Mr Chiverton said,
“Given the fact that despite the discussions that have taken place and the assurances that have been given to the trade unions that every effort will be made to redeploy staff, given the fact that even at best estimate that’s still likely to lead to as many as, or even more than 150 redundancies of different types, is it not time to withdraw the current proposals?”
Bacon: I and officers are happy with the procedure
Education cabinet member Councillor Jonathan Bacon said,
“I have to reiterate, as I have throughout this process, that I and officers are happy with the procedure.
“We are aware there has been a letter before action from the diocese – that has been responded to very fully. It deals with the concerns you have set out.
“I believe advice is being taken as to whether that full response can be released. If this process is delayed, the position and concerns you refer to would be a lot worse.”
The cabinet on Thursday evening voted to defer its decision on the closures until 20th March, with Councillor Bacon saying it was “in the best interests of both proper scrutiny and transparency”.
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
