Driver jobs threat as service is axed

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.”