'Don't go private' (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

'Don't go private'

PRIVATISING Swindon Services is a recipe for disaster, according to one union official.

Jim D'Avila, regional officer for the Amicus union, which represents workers in the department, says the council is wrong to think privatising services will benefit the people of Swindon and fears privatisation means job losses.

But the cabinet member for Swindon Services, Coun Nick Martin, has told the Advertiser workers will not be losing their jobs.

As we reported in yesterday's Advertiser, council workers' jobs could be in jeopardy with a crucial report about the state of Swindon Services being kept secret.

The report recommends changes in the way Swindon Services is managed in future which could mean outsourcing services.

"Privatisation means pay cuts, cuts in staff and increases in workloads," said Mr D'Avila.

"The council may save money by privatising services but ultimately it will lose because the services will not be of the same quality.

"It is a recipe for disaster.

"I think we need full and open consultation about this between the council and the community so everyone knows what is happening," said Mr D'Avila.

But Coun Martin has told the Advertiser he does not think people will lose their jobs.

"Swindon Services needs to be modernised to meet what the auditors want," he said.

But according to Coun Martin this does not mean the council will be sacking staff.

"I would imagine for the most part people's jobs will be protected.

"In the past we have made efficiency savings by losing levels of management, not frontline staff.

"I would imagine how services are run will be something we will look at more closely."

Roger Averies, of the Unison union, which represents workers at Swindon Services, declined to comment.

Lyndsay Scanlan