Jobs cuts spell ‘slow death’ for Hackney’s libraries
Proposed job cuts could spell a “slow death” for Hackney’s libraries despite the council’s promises to protect them, trade unionists have warned.
Members of Hackney Unison, the public services union, voted unanimously to back a vote of no confidence in the council’s head of libraries Ted Rogers last week over their concerns about cutbacks to frontline staff.
They fear that plans to reduce the number of library posts by a quarter – from 104 to 76 – will see the decline of the service, increasing theft while reducing the number of events and facilities on offer to the public.
This comes despite the council’s pledge earlier this year to keep all of its eight libraries open in the face of government cutbacks.
Hackney Unison Branch Secretary, Matthew Waterfall said: “There will be hardly enough staff to keep the doors open. This is a slow death sentence for the library service.”
You may also want to watch:
Cllr Jonathan McShane, Hackney Council’s cabinet member for health, social care and culture, denied the claims.
He said: “Hackney Council is committed to keeping all eight libraries open and maintaining some of the longest opening hours in the country.
Most Read
- 1 Campaigners launch legal challenge against Hackney LTNs
- 2 Covid fines worth £39K handed out in Hackney and Tower Hamlets
- 3 Jailed: 'Dangerous' Hackney predator found with 1,600 indecent child images
- 4 Shop Local: Stoke Newington entrepreneur launches dog accessory business
- 5 Police appeal for help to trace wanted Dalston man
- 6 Joint Covid patrols launched to ensure lockdown rules are followed
- 7 Hackney road closures 'will cost lives', says volunteer ambulance service
- 8 Lockdown: Thirteen card players busted by police in Hackney social club
- 9 Homerton Hospital says 'stay home' after 'major incident' declared
- 10 Covid-safe shared workspaces in Hackney on flexibility without formalities
“However, cuts imposed by central government mean we need to find savings to ensure the long term sustainability of our library service.
“As part of this, the unions and libraries staff have been asked for their views.
“As with any process like this, we will take these on board while ensuring that we create a service that continues to deliver the high standards that residents in Hackney want and deserve.”
The council’s consultation with staff ends on 17 June.