GMB Union has raised its concern over potential job losses as Wakefield Council issue a Section 188 notice as part of measures to address severe budget challenges caused by years of chronic underfunding from central government.
The notice signals potential job losses, and the GMB Union is actively engaging with the council to mitigate the impact on workers and save as many jobs as possible from forced redundancies.
The union has said this situation is a direct consequence of over a decade of government austerity policies and the lack of a long-term funding strategy for local authorities.
Without urgent and meaningful intervention from central government, Wakefield Council’s plight could be mirrored across the country, as more councils face unsustainable financial pressures.
GMB Organiser, Deanne Ferguson, said:
“This is a deeply troubling time for Wakefield Council staff and their families.
“GMB Union will stand firm with our members and work tirelessly to protect jobs and ensure fair treatment for all employees.
“The previous government must take responsibility for this crisis, which stems from years of neglect and underfunding.
“Without decisive action and a coherent plan for council funding, workers and vital public services across the UK will continue to bear the brunt of these failures.
“The GMB Union calls on the government to provide immediate financial support to local councils and establish a sustainable long-term funding framework that ensures councils can deliver essential services without resorting to job losses.”
