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Driver jobs threat as service is axed
Reporter: Beatriz Ayala
Date online: 18/02/2010
JOBS are under threat after it was revealed that a vital service which provides transport for vulnerable Oldham residents would be axed.
Seven drivers and two office staff at the council-run Integrated Transport Unit have been told their department will cease to exist from March 31.
Staff were told that the cost cutting measure would create £500,000 in efficiency savings at Oldham Council.
Fears have now been raised that elderly people who rely on the service will be left stranded.
One driver said: “We are devastated. We do a good job and a necessary job. But we’ve been told there is absolutely no budget for our department.
“When we go to pick up clients, some of whom suffer from dementia, they sometimes don’t know they are meant to be going to the day centre.
“The escort from the day centre has had to get them dressed. When one or two have been ill, we’ve sorted out stuff for them. How can they be left to deal with their own transport?”
Staff currently operate a fleet of six hired minibuses and one van across the borough. About 100 journeys per week are made from residents’ homes to Ena Hughes day centre, Failsworth; Laurel Bank, Shaw; and High Barn, Royton — as well as two Age Concern centres at Charles House, Failsworth; and Trinity House, Coldhurst.
Oldham Council currently charges clients a standard £2.60 per journey.
In addition to their driving role, staff on the unit deliver confidential mail between council offices.
Staff said they were told nothing was yet in place to substitute these deliveries.
UNITE convenor Paul Dale, whose union represents the drivers, said he was appalled the council were shutting a viable service. He said they were looking to find alternative employment for the drivers within the council.
Councillor Lynne Thompson said many people who used the service had access to alternative transport from other sources funded by their care package.
She added: “As a result, this service was seen as an unnecessary duplication of services.”
Councillor Jim McMahon, leader of Oldham’s Labour opposition, said: “I would urge caution that when budget options are being implemented, appropriate consideration is given to real lives.”
Comments
Shame on OMBC, as usual it's the most needy who suffer, I hope things will change after the elections, they need to.
I'm always wary about cuts to front line services. The may be a germ of truth in what Cllr Thompson says but she only says "MANY" not "ALL" in need of this service had access to alternative funding. What about those who haven't?
Another disgusting move from Oldham council. As i have said before, the first to suffer within this borough are always the vulnerable and elderly. Shame on them.
As the government announce councils need to prepare for the care of an ever increasing older population this forward thinking council begin by removing a service from the elderly and vulnerable. Another own goal from a bunch of imbeciles.
so getting rid of the last little bit of integrated transport left will save money? hahaha! pull the other one!
the only way this council will ever save money and become more efficient is for Sykes, Parker, Alcock and co to all resign and for decent proper replacements to be brought in on a quarter of their saleries!
then we might see some improvements around here!
care package, another gravy bowl for the private companies feeding the council ??????
Hey its only the old and infirmed ombc don't really care they don't vote anyway so no incentive by the parties
my mum is one of many that uses this service she is nearly 90 what is she to do now with out going her day care she would be lost so please re-think
I think this has been announced to make the critics of the Council pause and back off from pressing the council to make cuts. I could think of several unnecessary services and staff posts that could go, but this would not be on my list. It will be interesing to see what happens over the next few weeks.
Typical council - pick on the vunerable
So much for 'cuts won't effect front line services'
Oldham Council don`t care about the elderly, young, middle aged or anyone as long as they get their big fat bonuses,i have just lost my nana and thank god that she was not cared for under this council, as they are just an absolute disgrace to this country, if it wasn`t for the elderly these people electrd into the local council/parliament would not even be here, maybe they should stop and think about that before making this pathetic decisions.
This was they said in 2006! Result? I hav'nt been out of my house for four years!
£500,000 a year running costs sounds an awful lot for such a small department. Ten grand a week for 9 staff and 7 vehicles does not add up even taking into account wages and vehicle running costs. 100 journeys works at £100 per journey which is simply not a well run department.
The thing that bothers me the most is how much money is thrown at immigration within this country. These people have put nothing into the system yet everything is on a plate for them. In contrast, our elderly residents are always pushed to the back, the ones that paid into the system all their lives and brought us up. The people of this country need to come first.
There will be nobody left at Oldham Council soon apart from Charlie boy and all his mates if has employed. Oh yes, nearly forgot the army me consultants on about £900 a day each doing jobs that people of Oldham were doing at a fraction of the cost. Well done Charlie, you and your incompetent mates must be laughing all the way to the bank.
I think you have got many more front line staff that will go before the end of the month.
Have Your Say
Only need to find another £4.5 million for Vance now!
By rightarmover @ 18/02/2010 13:07:46
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