Protest at HSE's bad move

Risks 3rd May 2008
Unions in the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) have warned its planned HQ move from London to Bootle will lead to a haemorrhage of experienced staff. Over 100 PCS members working at HSE's London HQ joined Workers' Memorial Day protesters outside the building. PCS says of the 320 staff told they would have to move, over 60 staff have already chosen to leave instead and only 12 have expressed an interest in relocating. So far only 28 staff have been recruited in Bootle. It said this means 'HSE will lose the competence, knowledge and know-how of a further 250 staff over the next two years.' PCS HSE branch secretary Chris Hurley said: 'Management say that savings from moving out of London will enable HSE to improve inspection rates across the country. In fact, London HQ only accounts for 1.5 per cent of total budget. Also, the original business case assumed that 40 per cent of staff would go to the North West. In fact it's less than 4 per cent. This loss will devastate the organisation. It is time for management to think again before it is too late.' PCS general secretary Mark Serwotka presented a petition to HSE chief executive Geoffrey Podger opposing the move. The union leader commented: 'Members in HSE are delivering improvements to the lives of millions in this country. Yet management think it is acceptable to lose these experienced staff. In addition to the personal traumas being imposed on staff, the loss of so much experience puts all workers at risk. This petition ought to cause management to pause and think again about the action they are taking.'