Wiltshire Council has dropped controversial plans to dismiss around 500 staff then rehire them on new terms, says UNISON today (Wednesday).
The ‘fire and rehire’ threat, first made in August 2023, would have forced employees including social workers, leisure staff and support workers to either accept reduced pay for unsocial hours or risk losing their jobs.
The council has also agreed to reconsider its proposed changes to the callout and standby policy which would have impacted staff working in several areas including housing repairs, fostering and adoption and youth offending.
UNISON South West regional secretary Kerry Baigent said:
“Fire and rehire tactics are a way for employers to sidestep negotiations and undermine workers’ rights. It’s good to see the council taking a more constructive approach. Solutions must be found that benefit both staff and the community.
“With the government planning to outlaw fire and rehire practices, it’s time for all employers to abandon these damaging strategies.”
