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Equality staff protest over helpline closure

29 June 2009

PCS expressed deep anger today as the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) confirmed that it would be axing the Manchester based helpline at a cost of 50 posts.

The decision by the EHRC, has angered staff who held a lunchtime protest today outside the Manchester office in Arndale House.

The move by the EHRC comes at a time when staff are struggling to cope with a significant increase in call volumes to the helpline due to the recession and despite alternative viable plans being drawn up by staff and presented to management.

Last year the Manchester helpline handled over 50,000 enquiries from members of the public facing discrimination and its closure this autumn will see the loss of valuable skills and expertise.

The closure of the helpline will lead to the restructuring of the other helplines based in Cardiff, Birmingham and Glasgow where staff will be put under even more pressure with additional call volumes.

Commenting, Sue Bond, PCS national vice president, said: "Staff are deeply angered at the closure of a frontline service which provides support and advice for people who face discrimination in all its forms in every walk of life.

"Staff are already struggling to cope with rising call volumes and the closure of the Manchester helpline will jeopordise an increasingly vital service.

"The high handedness of management who have refused to consider an alternative plan put forward by staff has only increased the anger which has been demonstrated by today’s protest."

Mark Serwotka, PCS general secretary, added: "The government says it won’t cut public services, yet here we have a public body cutting a vital resource which is being increasingly relied upon in the recession.

"It makes no sense whatsoever and the government should intervene to ensure that people facing discrimination in all its forms get the help and support they need." 

 

What you can do:

  • Raise in your trade union, community group, equality group, and ask them to complain to Trevor Phillips, EHRC Chair, and Harriet Harman, Minister for Women & Equality.
  • Sign the No 10 petition: http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/ehrchelpline/
  • Write to your MP and ask them to sign the Early Day Motion 1119
  • Refer people to our helplines - England: 0845 604 6610; Wales: 0845 604 8810; Scotland: 0845 604 5510
  • Messages of support and requests for a PCS speaker, please email PCShelplinesubcommittee1@equalityhumanrights.com

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