News from Plymouth Labour

No debate about Plymouth job losses allowed

Labour Councillors have been blocked by the Council from speaking out in defence of disabled people in Plymouth who are about to lose their jobs at a Plymouth factory.

The job losses have been brought about because of a decision by the Tory controlled council’s cabinet not to award the contract for providing equipment to local disabled people to PLUSS – who have held the contract for years – and instead give it to a rival firm.

Labour Group Leader Cllr Tudor Evans said “What galls me is that PLUSS employs disabled people, and some of them will now lose their jobs because the factory will have to close.

“I asked for the decision to be scrutinised but that was turned down by the Tory Chairwoman. I then submitted a motion to council but that was turned down – unbelievably because the council are not allowed to discuss matters that have been decided by the executive (cabinet).”

“This is outrageous. If the cabinet can’t be scrutinised, by councillors in scrutiny panels nor by the whole council, then who is to hold them to account?”

“As well as being painful for the workers involved, the decision affects the whole city and it should be discussed by the whole council.”

“People want their views put forward and that is what we intend to do.”

Community Union Deputy General Secretary Joe Mann MBE, whose members work at the factory said:

“Community Union believes that this decision by Plymouth Council will not just undermine the service provided but shows no care or concern for these vulnerable workers. Disabled workers should not be sacrificed to allow a private company to profit from a public service.

“Plymouth Council must come clean on this decision and explain to the public why it has handed this contract over with no care for the disabled workers that will be forced onto benefits, and why the council has done nothing to offer appropriate support to these workers.”

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