local government: code of practice
WORKERS, APRIL 2003 ISSUE
UNISON has brokered a Code of Practice on workforce matters in local government which will set the ground rules for starting to end the "two-tier workforce" practices in public services which are contracted out, out-sourced or privatised.
From the late 1970s services contracted out of the public sector have seen terms and conditions, wages and pensions, employment rights and trade union rights undermined or worsened.
The new Code of Practice will set ground rules to protect pensions, prevent the worsening of wages and also to stop staff being employed on the "two tier" basis.
This will slowly squeeze out cowboy contractors from the public sector,
leaving an emphasis on good employment practice, quality service and "value for money".It will not return public services to the public sector, but will at least give additional protection to those employed. Good trade union organisation in the workplace will also help to maintain this protection.