GMB Union, which represents thousands of Leeds City Council workers, has expressed anger at the proposals to close care facilities across the city.
In a backdrop of rising positive Covid-19 cases and increased strengthening of local lockdowns, Leeds is already facing a crisis. To receive news from Leeds City Council that they have proposed closure of three care facilities; Homelea House in Rothwell, Richmond House in Pudsey and Osmondthorpe Resource Centre, is devastating and will have a massive impact on GMB members who work at these establishments and the service users.
Leeds City Council is facing a huge budget shortfall and has an immense challenge ahead as we see levels of deficit in the region of 119 million for 2021/22. But GMB Union, alongside sister unions, have been working in partnership with the council to look at a whole series of measures to offset some of that deficit, including a Voluntary Early Leavers’ initiative.
Stacey Booth, GMB Organiser for Leeds City Council, said:
“We are only too aware of how serious the situation is which has resulted from huge budget reductions over the past 10 years caused by the Conservative Government cuts, but no one was expecting to receive this news. It is wholly unacceptable that we are even considering cuts to the care sector in the midst of a pandemic.
“Since the outbreak of this pandemic it has been the frontline workers who have put their lives at risk whilst maintaining services for the citizens of Leeds and caring for those most vulnerable in society.
"To announce that those workers may now be faced with losing their job is unforgivable and a total kick in the teeth.
“I have contacted those GMB members affected to provide the necessary support, but make no doubt, GMB will be resisting these closures every step of the way. GMB do not accept these proposals and will be campaigning at all levels in order to stop any proposed closures.”
Updates
October 22, 2020
WE JUST SMASHED THROUGH 100 SIGNATURES!! THIS IS ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE PROGRESS AND PROVES THAT LEEDS WILL NOT STAND FOR THESE DEVASTATING CUTS TO OUR CARE FACILITIES!!
Reached 250 supporters
October 21, 2020
October 21, 2020
THIS MOMENTUM IS ABSOLUTELY UNSTOPPABLE!! I AM COMPLETELY BLOWN AWAY BY THE FORCE OF THIS ENERGY AND IT PROVES THAT OUR CARE FACILITIES ARE VITAL!! THE COUNCIL CANNOT IGNORE THIS OUTCRY ANY LONGER BECAUSE WE ARE MAKING THEM LISTEN RIGHT NOW!!
Reached 100 supporters
October 21, 2020
128 Comments
LCC have to claw back this deficit. It is a worrying time when much needed care homes become a target for austerity measures. These are front line provisions and the workers are doing a much needed service. Please allow them to continue in their posts; LCC you much reconsider.
I am an electrician working for Leeds City Council and I have colleagues who have recently worked at Holme lea care home completing an intensive update to the electrical system. What a waste of money or are they selling it onto a private care provider handing over a facility that's up to current regulations?
My sister works in one of these care homes and all the hard work for the residents in protecting them from covid whilst maintaining the standard of care they provide, whilst living with the increased risk themselves they should be rewarded for their efforts. This does not feel right.
I worked in older peoples services for many years and have seen the impact of closing peoples homes where they feel safe and supported by people they have come to see as family. it is devastating
Solidarity. Labour Councillors do not make cuts in my name as a Labour Party member and Trade Unionist. We need to publicly fight against cuts. I am a member of Leeds Labour Representation Committee and we will support any Trade Unions and campaign groups organising against cuts.
Devastating news for so many in the elderly and disabled community. Really hope these care homes and Osmnondrhorpe HUB can stay open. Very sad for residents, service users and staff!
What a way to treat frontline staff after risking their lives to care for some of the most vulnerable people in society. I know the pandemic has had an effect on everyone, but to potentially lose your livelihood at any time is devastating. I hope that GMB fight this all the way.
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GMB Union, which represents thousands of Leeds City Council workers, has expressed anger at the proposals to close care facilities across the city.
In a backdrop of rising positive Covid-19 cases and increased strengthening of local lockdowns, Leeds is already facing a crisis. To receive news from Leeds City Council that they have proposed closure of three care facilities; Homelea House in Rothwell, Richmond House in Pudsey and Osmondthorpe Resource Centre, is devastating and will have a massive impact on GMB members who work at these establishments and the service users.
Leeds City Council is facing a huge budget shortfall and has an immense challenge ahead as we see levels of deficit in the region of 119 million for 2021/22. But GMB Union, alongside sister unions, have been working in partnership with the council to look at a whole series of measures to offset some of that deficit, including a Voluntary Early Leavers’ initiative.
Stacey Booth, GMB Organiser for Leeds City Council, said:
“We are only too aware of how serious the situation is which has resulted from huge budget reductions over the past 10 years caused by the Conservative Government cuts, but no one was expecting to receive this news. It is wholly unacceptable that we are even considering cuts to the care sector in the midst of a pandemic.
“Since the outbreak of this pandemic it has been the frontline workers who have put their lives at risk whilst maintaining services for the citizens of Leeds and caring for those most vulnerable in society.
"To announce that those workers may now be faced with losing their job is unforgivable and a total kick in the teeth.
“I have contacted those GMB members affected to provide the necessary support, but make no doubt, GMB will be resisting these closures every step of the way. GMB do not accept these proposals and will be campaigning at all levels in order to stop any proposed closures.”
Updates
October 22, 2020
WE JUST SMASHED THROUGH 100 SIGNATURES!! THIS IS ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE PROGRESS AND PROVES THAT LEEDS WILL NOT STAND FOR THESE DEVASTATING CUTS TO OUR CARE FACILITIES!!
Reached 250 supporters
October 21, 2020
October 21, 2020
THIS MOMENTUM IS ABSOLUTELY UNSTOPPABLE!! I AM COMPLETELY BLOWN AWAY BY THE FORCE OF THIS ENERGY AND IT PROVES THAT OUR CARE FACILITIES ARE VITAL!! THE COUNCIL CANNOT IGNORE THIS OUTCRY ANY LONGER BECAUSE WE ARE MAKING THEM LISTEN RIGHT NOW!!
Reached 100 supporters
October 21, 2020
128 Comments
Been out there from day one of lock downs from covid-19 , I don't think and feel like I've been appreciated. I am worried and concerned about my working future and income, my mental health has also suffered due to worrying. But I'm still here working hard for LCC.
LCC have to claw back this deficit. It is a worrying time when much needed care homes become a target for austerity measures. These are front line provisions and the workers are doing a much needed service. Please allow them to continue in their posts; LCC you much reconsider.
I am an electrician working for Leeds City Council and I have colleagues who have recently worked at Holme lea care home completing an intensive update to the electrical system. What a waste of money or are they selling it onto a private care provider handing over a facility that's up to current regulations?
My sister works in one of these care homes and all the hard work for the residents in protecting them from covid whilst maintaining the standard of care they provide, whilst living with the increased risk themselves they should be rewarded for their efforts. This does not feel right.
I worked in older peoples services for many years and have seen the impact of closing peoples homes where they feel safe and supported by people they have come to see as family. it is devastating
Solidarity. Labour Councillors do not make cuts in my name as a Labour Party member and Trade Unionist. We need to publicly fight against cuts. I am a member of Leeds Labour Representation Committee and we will support any Trade Unions and campaign groups organising against cuts.
Devastating news for so many in the elderly and disabled community. Really hope these care homes and Osmnondrhorpe HUB can stay open. Very sad for residents, service users and staff!
What a way to treat frontline staff after risking their lives to care for some of the most vulnerable people in society. I know the pandemic has had an effect on everyone, but to potentially lose your livelihood at any time is devastating. I hope that GMB fight this all the way.
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Been out there from day one of lock downs from covid-19 , I don't think and feel like I've been appreciated. I am worried and concerned about my working future and income, my mental health has also suffered due to worrying. But I'm still here working hard for LCC.