Connexions staff to strike in Birmingham

Unison has confirmed the result of a ballot for industrial action, which will take place on or before 6 April.

The union said that as part of the cuts planned by Birmingham City Council, 26 Connexions employees are facing compulsory redundancies.

The move comes as Unison estimates that around a third of Connexions centres nationally have already closed, even though the government’s proposed all-ages careers service has not yet launched.

Denise Bertuchi, assistant national officer, said: "The government is acting irresponsibly. They have plans to bring in a national careers service but nothing in the interim. There is no transitional plan in place. Meanwhile, one in five young people is unemployed and they need this vital service."

The cuts to Connexions services in Birmingham come as the council looks to save £212m over the next financial year. Around 2,450 jobs will be lost across the council.
 
A Birmingham City Council spokesperson said: "We have not yet received formal notification of industrial action, but any such action is always extremely regrettable.

"At the moment all options are being looked at for Connexions staff such as voluntary redundancy and moves into other vacant roles within the council. No-one is being made redundant on a compulsory basis at this stage."

Earlier this month protests took place across the north west of England over plans to cut Connexions services in the region.

This was also organised by Unison and involved parents, staff and young people at events in Warrington, Chester, Manchester, Tameside, Liverpool, Blackpool, Bolton and Crewe.