Workers in dark over Christmas closure

Union leaders are demanding to know how much the four-day Christmas closure at Oldham Council saved the authority.

Unison, the largest council union representing 4,000 staff, says managers are planning another enforced closure this year.

But Wendy Bradbury, branch chairman, said members, councillors and the public still don’t know the full facts about the savings in money and jobs.

Unison has now made a Freedom of Information request for the figures.

Last year’s closure, for four extra days between Christmas and New Year, was made as the council battled a £17 million deficit and warned that more than 400 jobs had to go.

Office staff had to take annual leave, flexitime or even unpaid leave for the four days, but frontline services such as carers, highways, refuse, and emergency response teams still worked.

Senior management were told in February that the savings were between £160,000 to £190,000, not the £200,000 anticipated, because heating was still required in some buildings.

The savings were on utilities, temporary staff and consultants.

Ms Bradbury added: “We were told this would save £150,000, but that was an estimate — we want confirmation.

“We were promised these figures earlier this year and are concerned that they are planning the same this year without the union, the public and the elected members knowing the full facts.”

“The last joint meeting with unions, employers and councillors was cancelled, so we are disappointed that we have had to make a Freedom of Information request to get the facts.

“It was sprung on us last year, but it is very disruptive. Some people are alone with no family and don’t want to stay off, other people arrange their child care by using their holidays.”

Council leader Howard Sykes said a similar closure is being considered for this year.

He added: “Nothing has been decided yet. I don’t see any objection to unions having the information about the savings, it was budgeted for and hopefully the Freedom of Information request will come up with the figures they want.”