PCS to fight large-scale job losses at the FCDO

Members’ meetings are being held after the FCDO gave notice that 1,885 jobs are at risk, saying it needs to lose 25-30% of the workforce to meet its spending review outcome.

The news follows a restructure of the senior civil service (SCS); PCS believes redundancy notices have been issued in the SCS, which would breach agreed protocols.

The FCDO insists the department needs to get smaller, which PCS opposes. We are concerned that a figure has been provided for job cuts to delegated grades before consulting unions on the workforce plan or a timescale for consultation.

One factor in the cuts plan is the reduction in the aid budget. We are opposing this budget cut and have lobbied MPs to explain its impact on programmes in crisis-hit areas.

Not justification

PCS General Secretary Fran Heathcote said: "We will strongly resist the FCDO's plans to slash its UK based workforce by up to 30%.

"Our members have seen no justification for these cuts and have yet to be told what work has been deemed disposable by management.

"To add insult to injury, the government's recent cuts to the overseas aid budget will not only lead to job cuts and a loss of valuable expertise, but could cost hundreds of thousands of lives overseas.

"If the FCDO is serious about delivering a safe, secure, and prosperous Britain and wider world, it needs to listen to its own workers' concerns about its job cuts programme."

Join the campaign to oppose the cuts

The employer says no decision has been made on the restructure and that unions can put forward proposals.

New directors will take up post in January and begin restructuring each directorate. The campaign to oppose job cuts starts now. All members are urged to ask colleagues to join PCS and get involved.