These staff were told they would be based from Birchwood, Warrington for the duration of their apprentiships and consequently made plans to live in the vicinity, many of them locals.
DWP management then proceeded to tell them that because they have changed their minds as to where the work will be based, all 25 would now be compulsorily moved to Leeds and if they did not accept they would be at risk of losing their jobs.
Many of these staff are local 18/19 year olds for which many this is their first job. They haven’t received an apology and have been met with a lot of unfair treatment by DWP management.
This is a flagship scheme that comes from the Cabinet Office itself. It’s aim is to recruit young people for a career in the civil service. The appalling treatment of these staff by DWP management is not congruent with a scheme that professes to encourage young people into a worthwhile career in public-service.
This reckless decision has caused these staff untold stress. Many of them have dependants, caring respinsibilities and families locally that they are being forced to leave. Equally, almost all will undergo financial hardship as a consequence of any move and have been offered no financial assistance.
We ask that DWP management withdraw all 25 compulsory moves and permits these staff to continue their apprentiships in Birchwood as agreed.
Please sign the petition here.
