East London’s mental health jobs in danger, union fears

BRITAIN’S biggest public sector trade union has called on the East London Mental Health Trust to stop plans to privatise jobs. The plans due to come into effect in February at Hackney’s John Howard centre have gone ahead without proper public consultation, Unison claims

BRITAIN'S biggest public sector trade union has called on the East London Mental Health Trust to stop plans to privatise jobs.

The plans due to come into effect in February at Hackney's John Howard centre have gone ahead without proper public consultation, the Unison union claims.

It is to demonstrate at the trust's next board meeting next week.

"Staff at the centre have been hit hard by news that their jobs could be put out to a private company," said the union's London regional organiser Jay Williams.

"They will have a tough Christmas, worrying about the future of their jobs. This is the tip of the iceberg and we're worried that privatisation of other jobs in the trust will be announced soon.

The union claims the health trust has failed to consult the public properly about its plans, despite having gone as far as completing a 'market testing' exercise.

It is urging the trust to "put a stop" to the plans and look for other options to transform East London's mental health service.