U.K.
Public services union UNISON is calling for an independent inquiry into the impact of outsourcing on public services following a report revealing the extent to which workers are affected by cuts to pay and conditions. UNISON argues that the current pressure for public spending cuts means that, more than ever, the reason for outsourcing is to cut costs, with low-paid workers often bearing the brunt of those cuts.
Read more at > UNISON
Public services union Fagforbundet has welcomed a new report from the LO confederation that provides further evidence from a number of countries of the negative impact of outsourcing. The report reveals that outsourcing in welfare services doesn't deliver an improvement in services while undermining pay, pensions and working conditions. Fagforbundet itself has highlighted some of the worst cases in Norway where outsourcing companies have cut pay or forced employees to work excessive hours. Read more at > Fagforbundet (NO)
The FOA services union has commented on a television documentary that reveals very poor levels of care at a private home that was supposed to be a beacon for private care in the country. FOA argues that this clearly shows that care cannot be delivered on the cheap, noting that both residents and staff made complaints and with problems created by inadequate staffing levels. Read more at > FOA (DK)
Additional unpaid working time introduced as an austerity measure eight years ago continues to be a drain on morale and productivity across the civil and public service. That’s according to a report by the public service committee of the ICTU confederation. The report says the additional hours fall hardest on women, and are counterproductive in terms of service delivery and productivity. They remain “a deep and primary industrial relations grievance” among public servants, it says. In particular, the report argues not only that It has never been correct to assume that increased working time
