GMB criticises Dudley Council over jobs threat at school support facility
Workers at the Change Centre alternative provision facility in Brierley Hill face an uncertain future, according to GMB Union.
GMB Union has called on Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council to act after workers at a local alternative provision facility were told they face a redundancy process.
The union has criticised what it describes as a “shocking” lack of support for the Change Centre, which is based at Thorns Collegiate Academy in Brierley Hill.
The facility provides specialist support to children and young people who are at risk of school exclusion.
According to GMB, staff at the centre now face an uncertain future after it was announced the service was being under-used.
The union has accused council bosses of failing to meet a referral agreement with the facility, despite what it says is high demand for alternative provision in the borough.
Rebecca Mitchell, GMB Organiser, said: “Alternative provision is an absolutely essential part of our local education services; it’s shocking that council bosses seem so relaxed about the situation at the Change Centre.
“Huge investment has been made in the services and provision available to pupils, on the grounds that the Council’s promises of pupil referrals.
“Now we are hearing of a lack of referral and support from the Council, with dedicated school workers facing job losses as a result.
“We’re calling on Dudley top brass to do the right thing by workers, pupils and families and get back around the table to fix this, before it's too late.”
GMB says it wants the council to work with those involved to address the situation before redundancies go ahead.
Dudley Council has been contacted for a comment.