Council uses fire-and-rehire to change contracts

A council is engaging in "bully-boy tactics" by using a controversial fire-and-rehire process to try to change working conditions for more than 800 staff, unions say.

Devon County Council has told employees if they do not accept the new conditions by 23 March they will be dismissed on 31 March to be rehired under a new contract.

Staff such as social workers and environmental health workers currently get an allowance of £453 a year for using their own car on work business but the county council wants to scrap that allowance.

Devon County Council said the move was "fairer" to all staff and would save taxpayers about £500,000.

Jake McLean, from the GMB union, said the council was "threatening" members when it should be treating them "with dignity and respect".

He said: "It's time for Devon County Council to put their toys back in the pram, withdraw this threat and return to the negotiating table so we can solve this issue.

"Our members should have no doubt, we won't stand for these bully-boy tactics and we will do whatever is necessary to ensure their voices are heard."

Steve Ryles, from the Unison union, said the county council's approach was "reckless" and "creating unnecessary distress for hardworking staff".

He said: "Instead of threats, the council should respect its staff, withdraw this ultimatum and come back to the table for proper discussions.

"Fire-and-rehire is a disgraceful practice that has no place in a responsible employer's playbook."

Devon County Council said the car user allowance was only made to 15% of employees and a decision to remove it for all staff was made "after almost a year of negotiations".

It said "more than 40%" of affected employees had agreed to the change.

It added that staff who did not agree to the new terms "will be dismissed and reengaged on new contracts".

A spokesperson for the council said: "Only 15% of the council workforce were in receipt of it, while others claimed business mileage allowance to reimburse them for business travel.

"This decision will save the taxpayer £500,000 and is in line with our mission to deliver a fairer, more efficient and effective organisation."

In October, the government announced changes to measures in the Employment Rights Bill, which included effectively banning the fire-and-rehire practice.

These changes are not likely to take effect for two years, following a period of consultation.

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