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Thurrock Council collapse must not impact on council workers’ jobs or services

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We are extremely concerned by the reckless way Thurrock Council has been run under the Conservatives, says GMB London region

The collapse of Thurrock Council must not impact on council workers’ jobs or services, GMB London Region has said.

Council staff need urgent assurances their jobs are not at risk, the union adds.

In addition to the reports of local authority investors that have lost millions, the collapse of Thurrock County Council has left many employed by the council very concerned that their jobs will also take a hit. 

The Government has appointed a commissioner to take over the Tory-run unitary council due to its level of financial risk and debt. [1] 

Warren Kenny, GMB London Regional Secretary, said:

“We are extremely concerned by the reckless way Thurrock Council has been run under the Conservatives.

“Public money is provided for public services, not for failed investment opportunities. 

“It is there to pay for the hundreds of hard-working staff members who keep services going, from bin collections to housing.

"We seek immediate assurances that staff, already working diligently on the frontline and struggling in a cost-of-living crisis, do not now pay with their jobs for the mistakes of a few within the council's leadership team.

“There needs to be a full investigation so that such egregious mistakes never happen again." 

Notes to Editors:

[1] Thurrock Council leader resigns as government steps in - BBC News 

Contact:

Peter Roberts, GMB London Region Political Officer 079 6821 6411 /peter.roberts@gmb.org.uk

GMB London Region Press Office 079 7001 9643 / London.press@gmb.org.uk