Union fears cuts will increase stress levels

Jamie MacDonald • Published 10 Mar 2010 10:58 8 Comments

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Council leader Janet Cadenhead

A TRADE union representing Clackmannanshire Council workers has raised concerns over the impact cuts in staffing will have on those employees who remain at the local authority.

It has been suggested that stress levels could go up due to an increased workload foisted upon council workers following the decision to remove colleagues' posts.

In approving the budget for 2010/11 councillors agreed to remove between 20 and 30 posts at Clackmannanshire Council, most of which were already vacant.

Unison branch secretary, Pam Robertson, told the Advertiser the union was monitoring stress levels in areas where job roles have been axed, through redundancy, retiral or non-renewal of contract.

She said, "It is a concern that staff who are leaving are not being replaced and that temporary contracts are being ended. We are keeping an eye on stress levels on our members and encouraging them to contact us sooner rather than later if they have any issues.

"As you are no doubt aware, stress is one of the biggest causes of absenteeism at the moment and it can cause real problems for staff in the form of physical symptoms, and for the employer in the inability of staff to work to their best."

Ms Robertson added, "The current situation within the council just now with single status is causing enormous pressure on staff and we are doing everything we can to help members cope."

Protest

The implementation of single status pay and conditions has led to a storm of protest from council workers.

Around 28 per cent of staff are expected to see their wages drop as a result of the implementation of Single Status.

Some employees have claimed their pay will be slashed by a quarter if the planned cuts are implemented.

Council leader Janet Cadenhead responded to Ms Robertson's concerns saying, "We are committed to our staff and I want them to know that they are very much valued for the service they provide to our residents.

Challenges

"The council recognises that the challenges and demands of wide-ranging but necessary change puts additional pressures on our employees, and has put in place a wide range of support measures to help employees, in consultation with Unison and our other trade unions.

"These include processes and training in assessing and managing risks and regular performance review and development meetings at which employees can discuss work issues and training and support needs with their manager.

"We have programmes to promote healthy working lives. We monitor health and absence carefully and refer individuals to independent occupational health specialists for advice and assistance. We also offer a confidential employee counselling service for anyone facing problems in their personal or working life."

Ms Cadenhead added, "In relation to the specific changes to pay and grading which we are introducing to ensure a robust and equalities proofed pay structure, we have three year transitional protection in place to help staff adjust if their grade stands to go down and have publicised support available from specialist money advisors. Single status is a national agreement and all councils are required to implement it.

"With managers and trade unions across the council we remain committed to supporting our employees however we can so that they can continue to give their best in delivering quality, essential services to the community, particularly during this time of additional budget pressure across the public sector."

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council worker
Unregistered User
Mar 10, 18:43
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More rubbish spouted out by Ms Cadenhead they will be loads of staff off with stress caused by this incompetent council, making us all work harder and slashing our wages using Single Status as an excuse.

What planet is she and her cronies on?

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Angry Bystander
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Mar 11, 12:30
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Cadenhead can't help it, can she. The mouth opens and out pops a load of what we know, and she knows, to be drivel! 3 year protection? And if you're 4 years from retirement, with your pension being based upon your last year's pay? Not much chance of another job, so that's you stuffed through your post work years! And the cost of living increases you won't get? And the increments you won't get? And the additiona hours you'll be working for the same pay? And with regard to equalities, why is it that admin staff - mostly women - across the board have received pay cuts? And she talks about things the Council is doing to tackle stress! It makes me seeth!!

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Bill
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Mar 11, 18:50
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The Cadenhead and her associated appointee the Leech are pure autocrats. There are 5 very capable and knowledgeable heads of service who -for purely vindictive reasons- have or are about to lose their jobs. The Council is going to be left with the dregs of ineptitude if it carries on this way. Its just a pity it wasn't the Cadenhead & her cronies standing for election this May!!

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Angry Bystander
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Mar 13, 14:03
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Just had my letter telling me how much less I'm going to be paid each month due to the new month in arrears system, then noted the new logo on the letter! At least those employees who are going to lose their jobs due to cutbacks can rest assured that the amount saved on at least one of those posts has paid for this new logo! Obviously the Leitch/Cadenhead knows priorities!

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Zoe
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Mar 15, 16:31
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Have just heard that my local nursery school (Tower) is to close and be placed within the local primary school (Primary) just to save money on a headteacher where in Park is the nursery to go are they able to take all their toys,equipment, outside play, parents room, staff with them I think not CUTBACKS BAA HUMBUG!!

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Jimmy Neebur
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Mar 16, 01:43
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Angry Bystander - ah spotted that new logo on yon pamflet they haund oot wae the cooncil tax bill. Ah thought my eyes were playin tricks on me eh! It's a bit jazzy like and it's a shame that they've taken out the 'look aboot ye'.... although mibbae there's something ironic aboot that warning being removed. Again, ironically the big swoosh through the crest looks like a big knife stabbing it in the back and blood gushin oot the ither side. Mibbae yin of the workies pit forward the suggestion fur that... hahaha.

Ah wonder how much of the scarce budget it cost us taxpayers tae get that new logo. They should have stuck it oot fur the weans in oor world-class schools tae come up wae a new logo fur free.... run a wee competition or something.

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Angry Bystander
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Mar 17, 00:11
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And then, Jimmy, there's the cost of the new signage, the new leaflets, the headed paper, the software, etc. The new one looks like amateur hour, so or weans would have done no worse, but come what may, it would be no freebie!

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Jimmy Neebur
Unregistered User
Mar 17, 01:21
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Aye good point Bystander... ah never thought aboot aw the stuff that they'll need tae change tae show aff yon new logo. Ah mean, am aw fur movin with the times and modernisin the cooncil bit there wis nothin wrong wae the auld logo.

It's almost as daft a move as us having the cooncil name on the back of our Wasps jerseys fur the last few seasons.... ah mean why does the cooncil need tae advertise itself through shirt sponsorship at a cost of however many tens of thousands? Dinnae get me wrong, am sure we were glad of the cash bit the cooncil should have put a worthwhile project/initiative name own the shirts or something... a bit like yon Scottish cup name.

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