Local government reorganisation in Derbyshire must be about levelling up communities and strengthening public services, not cutting costs or putting jobs at risk, says UNISON. The union, which represents thousands of council and school staff across Derbyshire, says any changes to local government structures must have proper funding behind them and protect the people delivering […]
derbyshire county council
Commenting on Derbyshire County Council’s decision to close five adult education centres* without consultation, UNISON East Midlands regional head of local government Emma Roberts said: “Adult education gives people the chance to learn new skills, gain qualifications and improve their lives. “Taking away local centres risks denying some of the most disadvantaged a vital second […]
Derbyshire County Council shut care homes across the county without considering the full impact the closures would have, according to the national equalities watchdog, says UNISON. The Equality and Human Rights Commission has raised concerns there was no assessment of the impact axing care homes and day centres might have on unpaid carers, the majority […]
Belper’s Ada Belfield care home will be sold off after councillors rubber-stamped the controversial proposals, says UNISON today (Monday). The care home built five years ago at a cost of £10m is to be sold despite widespread opposition, including protest marches and a 5,000-strong petition opposing the move. This Ada Belfield sale comes after eight […]
Commenting on Derbyshire County Council’s plans to bring children’s services in-house today (Thursday), with a £7.5m cost to buy and convert five houses into children’s homes, UNISON East Midlands regional organiser Dave Ratchford said: “This is a much-needed and positive step helping that ensures children in Derbyshire receive the care and support they deserve. “UNISON […]
UNISON has been outside Derbyshire County Council’s HQ today (Monday) protesting the council’s decision to press ahead with the closure of 11 care homes, 8 adult day care centres, and 10 children’s centres across the county. UNISON is calling for an immediate halt on the council’s plans and a petition opposing the cuts has received […]
Thousands of Derbyshire County Council staff working across social services, children’s services, day centres, libraries, homecare, community services, tourism, and schools are to be balloted for strike action. Despite having millions of pounds in reserve, the council plans to axe jobs and services without proper consultation in an attempt to deliver a balanced budget, says […]
We are calling on the Westminster government to urgently address the ‘broken’ local government funding system that has led Derbyshire County Council, like many others, to enter financial crisis. Yesterday, Derbyshire’s councillors met to agree freezes on recruitment and other so-called ‘non-essential’ spending to try and patch a £46 million hole in the budget. The […]
Following a three-month consultation on the future of the local authority’s adult disability care centres, officers at Derbyshire County Council have recommended that all 8 are closed. The council’s cabinet is expected to rubber stamp the decision next Thursday. The centres set to close are Whitemoor (Amber Valley), Carter Lane, Oxcroft and Whitwell (Bolsover), Ashbourne […]
Derbyshire County Council have committed to supporting a fair pay rise for staff after supporting a motion brought by the Labour group and backed by UNISON. The motion stated that the council support a fair pay rise for workers to help them cope with rising costs, especially those on the lowest pay who often undertake […]