Friday 16 Nov 2012 @ 07:05
WiredGov Newswire (news from other organisations)
WiredGov Newswire (news from other organisations)
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Top charity to sack 2,600 staff in ‘race to bottom’, says Unite
Turning Point, the charity dedicated to helping those with emotional and employment problems, is set to sack its 2,600 staff and re-employ them on lower pay.
Unite, the country’s largest union, said that Turning Point was leading the race to the bottom in the voluntary sector with its plans to slash staff pay and conditions, which will, in turn, will lead to a deterioration of services for many vulnerable people.
Unite regional officer, Jamie Major said: “This is devastating for staff. Already, I am hearing sickening stories of how individuals will lose their homes, will have to rely on food banks and will be set back decades in their standard of living.
“Many of our 450 members stand to lose thousands of pounds a year; some could be out of pocket to the tune of £10,000.
“Turning Point has a charitable status, but I question how an organisation driving cuts such as these could have the gall to call itself a charity. This is a race to the bottom.”
The 2,600 staff affected work in hundreds of community projects and services in England and Wales. All staff will be hit, depending on their individual contracts.
Jamie Major said: “The Turning Point management is breaking faith with its staff, especially those transferred to the organisation with TUPE - Transfer of Undertaking (Protection of Employment) - contracts which protect their pay and conditions.
“Management say they are doing this so that they can compete with the competitive bidding process in the charity sector – but caring for vulnerable people should not be equated with the profit motive of the private sector.”
Unite is currently canvassing its members to formulate a response to the management's plans.
Turning Point was created to help people find a new direction in life by helping those with substance misuse, mental health issues, a learning disability, or employment difficulties by providing tailored personalised care.
ENDS
For further information, please contact Jamie Major on 07879 69202 and/or Unite senior communications officer, Shaun Noble on 07768 693940.
