PCS fights devastating MOD plan to scrap military base caretaker posts
125 caretakers, including those working within military bases and also the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association (RFCA), face redundancy and the loss of their homes under plans being considered by the Ministry of Defence.
The MOD opened a 4-week consultation with PCS on the plans to “draw down” the army’s caretaker capability on 15 July. This effectively scraps all existing caretaker posts and ends all the tied housing arrangements they currently have with caretaker staff. These are dedicated staff, often with many years of experience, assigned to maintain military bases and many with families housed in the tied accommodation. This is devastating news at directly affects their job and home.
PCS is opposing the plan and urging for the posts to be retained, including the tied housing arrangements. This idea has been simmering in the background for some years and this time the MOD seems committed to seeing through its plans.
Since receiving the proposal, PCS has been seeking legal advice, particularly around the tied housing element. Once received, we will include this in our response.
We are speaking to these highly-skilled caretakers about the impact of the plans on them. We welcome our caretaker members’ thoughts on the proposal, which they can share by emailing [email protected]
The MOD is holding a meeting for affected staff at 11am on Wednesday (29 July), which we strongly encourage them to attend and voice their views on what is being planned and the difficulties this will cause them. PCS representatives will also be in attendance. We will then follow it up with a PCS members’ meeting.
We will support and help those members affected by these proposals.