Jobs not at risk, says council chief
A leading politician has moved to reassure workers that no jobs are at risk as a result of plans to scrap the organisation which manages High Peak’s council homes.
Cllr Caitlin Bisknell said there was “absolutely nothing to worry about” – a week after High Peak Borough Council (HPBC) said at least 135 employees were “potentially affected” by proposals which could spell the end of High Peak Community Housing (HPCH), currently responsible for managing 4,100 homes across the borough.
Under the plans, HPBC would take over the management of the properties and be responsible for providing repairs and rent collections.
Last week the Buxton Advertiser reported that hundreds of jobs could be at risk at both HPCH and HPBC after a council spokesman said: “There are 135 people employed by HPCH and all of them, along with employees of HPBC, are potentially affected if the service transfers and is integrated with existing council services.”
The spokesman added that the proposals would deliver possible savings as a result of “removing duplication of services” and “reducing overheads”.
But Cllr Bisknell, leader of HPBC, said: “I want to reassure employees of HPCH and HPBC that their jobs are not at risk.
“If the management of housing is transferred to the council as proposed then there are TUPE implications for HPCH staff.
“We are complying with legal requirements and Government good practice guidelines, and we’ve taken independent advice, so the clear message I want to send to staff is that there is absolutely no cause for alarm.”
Cllr Bisknell added that the plans were not controversial as a recent consultation revealed 79 per cent of respondents were in favour of the changes.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Chesterfield
Sunday 19 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 10 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 10 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North
