Kensington and Chelsea facing threat of legal action over staff travelcards

GMB Union has threatened legal action against the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) after staff travelcards were withdrawn without negotiation or consultation, affecting more than 700 employees.

Staff working for the borough have been entitled to zone one and two travelcards for over thirty-five years, as a means of helping them get to work and carry out their professional duties.

Around 80 per cent of RBKC staff do not live in the borough due to the prohibitively high housing costs.

GMB has challenged the legality of this decision, as it believes the travelcards are an implied term in staff contracts.

The union has also been critical of the council’s decision to stop paying contributions to the pension fund, while still deducting contributions from staff.

Jackie Nield, council worker and GMB branch secretary, said:

“Kensington and Chelsea is the most expensive borough in London to live in, making it far out of reach for most people on a local government salary.

“These travelcards are invaluable for staff to reach their offices and carry out their work in the borough. 

“The borough’s financial difficulties are well-documented, but it is unfair for workers who have already seen their pay eroded to once again carry the can for the council’s failings.”