Oct. 31, 2011 Germany: Trend toward re-municipalisation of energy sector (November 2011) A little after a decade after the onset of liberalisation and privatisation, the German energy sector is experiencing a return to public and communal ownership. Since 2007, 44
Oct. 05, 2011 Denmark/International: Danish study reviews research on contracting-out A major review of the impact of contracting out calls into question the benefits of getting the private sector to deliver public services. Researchers in Denmark examined the findings of
Oct. 05, 2011 UK: private equity company bankrupts care homes Private companies operating an increasing proportion of social care facilities across Europe. In the UK, where they already run over two-thirds of care homes, a series of problems over the
Oct. 05, 2011 UK/Europe: What kinds of companies are delivering our public services? The outsourcing of public services has become big business and is increasing as governments around Europe resort to it in the hope of making short-term cost savings. While public sector
Oct. 05, 2011 UK/Europe: What kinds of companies are delivering our public services? (October 2011) The outsourcing of public services has become big business and is increasing as governments around Europe resort to it in the hope of making short-term cost savings. While
Oct. 04, 2011 UK: private equity company bankrupts care homes This is a briefing prepared by the public service research organisation, PSIRU.
Oct. 04, 2011 Denmark/International: Danish study reviews research on contracting-out (October 2011) A major review of the impact of contracting out calls into question the benefits of getting the private sector to deliver public services. Researchers in Denmark examined the
Jul. 21, 2011 UK: municipality brings cleaning back in-house Islington council in north London has brought its cleaning services back in-house. This has not only meant cost savings for the council but much improved pay and conditions for the 160 workers who have been affected by the change.
Jul. 21, 2011 Sweden: Parliament rejects further privatisation Trade unions in Sweden have welcomed a decision by the Parliament to block further privatisation of state assets. The centre-right government had planned a series of major sell-offs, including privatisation
Jul. 21, 2011 Georgia: Unions defending public services Despite the very difficult situation facing trade unions in Georgia, there are examples of positive action in support of public services. In the capital Tbilisi there have been major improvements
Jul. 21, 2011 Sweden: Parliament rejects further privatisation (July 2011) In March 2011 the Swedish parliament voted to reject government plans to sell shares in state-owned companies. The centre-right government, which does not have an overall majority, proposed
Jul. 21, 2011 Georgia: Unions defending public services (July 2011) Trade unions in Georgia have managed to campaign and negotiate for improved services despite the challenges they face. The greatest problem faced by the public services unions in
Jul. 21, 2011 UK: Islington Council re-municipalises cleaning contract (July 2011) In 2010 over 160 cleaners in Islington, north London, became direct employees of the local council again, on much better pay and conditions. The decision came after the
Jun. 28, 2011 Portugal: unions convince Lisbon city council to reject outsourcing In 2010, when Lisbon City Council drew up plans to outsource services, the STAL and STML trade unions worked together to compile evidence to oppose the changes.
Jun. 28, 2011 Georgia: health unions fight hospital closures Despite aggressive anti-union policies and legislation, health workers in Georgia are fighting back against the government's plans for widespread privatisation. A combination of cutbacks and a switch from public funding