Cleaning staff at the Old Bailey (Central Criminal Court) represented by GMB Union have been informed that their roles will be outsourced to OCS, a private company.
In total, 32 staff currently employed by the City of London Corporation will be transferred on 1 March.
They received no prior warning of the Corporation’s plans to outsource cleaning services.
The move to transfer these workers to OCS has prompted concerns about their job security. They are anxiously waiting to hear what this move will mean for their futures.
Anna Lee, GMB Regional Organiser, said:
“Many of the staff have worked at the Old Bailey for more than 30 years and have built up relationships with judges, barristers, and other court users. They consider themselves as part of a family.
“They are understandably distressed to be told at short notice that they are being transferred to a private company with a track record of underpaying and overworking its staff.
“We call upon the City of London to stop this transfer.”
A GMB member said:
“The proposed outsourcing makes me feel like I don't matter, after many years of dedicated service. I will now become an alien, outsider, contractor, no longer a part of the family or team as we were always told.
“Outsourcing to me means uncertainty about my long-term job and financial security.
“I am anxious to say the least. I feel like I am starting all over again.”
