An Isle of Wight trade unionist has requested the Isle of Wight Council’s Cabinet withdraw its school closure plans, warning that everyone connected with the council could be drawn into disrepute.
Speaking at last week’s Cabinet meeting, Mark Chiverton, the secretary of Unison’s Isle of Wight Local Government Branch, urged the administration to ‘consult meaningfully over a much longer period’ on new proposals to allow a different decision to be made in a ‘more measured way’.
His plea comes days after it emerged 5 trade unions representing thousands of school workers on the Island are currently in the process of initiating indicative ballots for industrial action, following member requests.
Speaking on behalf of all the trade unions, Mr Chiverton said there was complete disquiet amongst the wider school community and other communities, as well as massive concern amongst staff.
He also raised a very likely legal challenge from the Diocese of Portsmouth against the closure plans.
Mr Chiverton said:
“Given the fact that despite the discussions that have taken place and the assurances that have been given to the trade unions that every effort will be made to redeploy staff, given the fact that even at best estimate that’s still likely to lead to as many as, or even more than 150 redundancies of different types, is it not time to withdraw the current proposals?”
Education cabinet member Councillor Jonathan Bacon said:
“I have to reiterate, as I have throughout this process, that I and officers are happy with the procedure.
“We are aware there has been a letter before action from the diocese – that has been responded to very fully. It deals with the concerns you have set out.
“I believe advice is being taken as to whether that full response can be released. If this process is delayed, the position and concerns you refer to would be a lot worse.”
Cabinet last week voted to defer its decision on the closures until 20th March, with education cabinet member Cllr Jonathan Bacon saying it was in the best interests of both proper scrutiny and transparency.
Chiverton does not seem to understand,
if classrooms are not full, then schools must close.
Is Chiverton going to Fund emply schools from his own
pocket!
Get with it, f.f.s
Either the population is growing and you need schools or it is nt
In which case no new houses are needed.
You can’t have it both ways.