| |
Threat to caretakers
• IT appears that the good loyal hard work of Homes for Islington (HfI) resident caretakers fails to gain any reward; in fact, quite the opposite.
It has been reported that there are plans to remove resident caretakers from all the housing estates run by HfI. The GMB trade union has stated that these plans will be strongly resisted.
A document seen by the unions which includes cuts to the caretaking service has left staff feeling betrayed.
It suggests removing resident caretakers and making all staff simply cleaners.
The report also includes the possibility of removing some weekend working on certain estates, introducing a two-tier cleaning service which will cost residents more. In addition, this will start a grading of estates, with some getting more cleaning and the rest having a reduction.
The problem is that those getting more will have to pay, and those getting less will continue to pay the same rate. This is a complete rip-off.
The report also suggests that there should be more team working, another way of reducing the service. Estates will get a quick visit by a mobile cleaning team, the formula that many housing associations use.
The recent residents’ satisfaction survey showed that caretaking was the only improving service under HfI. To reduce this service will have a significant impact on the standards on estates.
Gary Doolan
Branch secretary, GMB
|
 |
|
| |
| |
| |
| |
