Zarah ChoudharyCleaning staff at the Old Bailey (Central Criminal Court) represented by GMB Union have been informed that their roles will be outsourced to OCS, a private company.
In total, 32 staff currently employed by the City of London Corporation will be transferred on 1st March.
They received no prior warning of the plans to outsource cleaning services, according to GMB.
The move to transfer these workers to OCS prompted concerns about job security.
Anna Lee, regional organiser at GMB, said: “Many of the staff have worked at the Old Bailey for more than 30 years and have built up relationships with judges, barristers, and other court users.
“They consider themselves as part of a family.
“They are understandably distressed to be told at short notice that they are being transferred to a private company with a track record of underpaying and overworking its staff.
“We call upon the City of London to stop this transfer.”
A member from GMB said: “The proposed outsourcing makes me feel like I don’t matter, after many years of dedicated service.
“I will now become an alien, outsider, contractor, no longer a part of the family or team as we were always told.
“Outsourcing to me means uncertainty about my long-term job and financial security.
“I am anxious to say the least. I feel like I am starting all over again.”
A City of London Corporation spokesperson said: “The proposed transfer to OCS would have a range of benefits, including improved cleaning services and access to industry best practice.
“As a responsible employer, the proposed move is fair and compliant with industry standards, and fully adheres to the legal obligations and protections provided by TUPE regulations.
“Cleaning staff and Trade Unions are being consulted and TUPE regulations ensure that all employees retain their current terms and conditions of permanent employment, including salary, working hours, length of service and holiday entitlements.
“There are no plans for redundancies and staff will continue to deliver the cleaning service to the Central Criminal Court without interruption.
“Employees who are members of the Local Government Pension Scheme will remain in the pension scheme and continue to accumulate benefits under their existing LGPS arrangements with all rights and future benefits legally protected.”
