Plans to privatise the building security service at Wakefield Council have been scrapped after UNISON intervention.
The union was informed on Tuesday 3 October that the service was going to be privatised and outsourced, with 15 council-employed security guards transferred to Robertson Facilities Management (Robertson FM) under a Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment), or TUPE transfer.
This was due to happen on 31 October but was to be deferred for six months.
UNISON was shocked by the news, given a previous failed privatisation of council services in 2016.
The union was unable to find any record of the council making any decision to privatise building security, and transfer the council-employed security guards to Robertson FM, in any of the decision papers from council meetings. There was no evidence the decision had been a political one.
The privatisation of council services is not supported by Wakefield Labour Group, and it is not UNISON policy or Labour policy. As a result, UNISON wrote to the leader of Wakefield Council who agreed privatisation is not in the best interests of staff or the public.
She has confirmed in writing to the union that the plans have been scrapped.
UNISON Wakefield branch secretary Sam Greenwood said: “Outsourcing council services isn’t the right way to go, and it’s good that the council has acknowledged that.
“UNISON’s involvement in getting the proposals scrapped has been crucial, and is clear evidence of the important work trade unions do.”
UNISON Wakefield vice chairperson Dave Evans said: “If these proposals had gone ahead, it would’ve caused a lot of unnecessary uncertainty for the security guards having their employment changed.
“There’s no logical reason for the service to be privatised, and the council has seen sense, thanks to UNISON’s intervention.”
