Issue - meetings

Gerard McGrath, Unison, attended the call in and made representations to the Committee on the insourcing option agreed by Cabinet. The following was noted:

- UNISON and the other recognised trade unions in Haringey Council welcomed the agreed clear plan to bring Leisure Services back under direct control. It would become more publicly accountable and transparent and inspire new confidence in residents, with meaningful leisure services they could rely on.

- The unions understood the inherent difficulties in privatising a critical service which should be delivered directly by the Council, along with the difficulties in allowing such an essential public service to be managed externally. Handing this to an external body, in this case, Fusion Lifestyle had been tried and had clearly failed spectacularly. Handing this contract to yet another private or external body would be a failure to learn from the original mistake. Accounts of ‘near misses’, particularly at Park Road, regarding the correct management of chlorine, had alarmed many members and residents living next to this centre and those using the facilities during the various evacuations.

- UNISON members were already relieved that they would, from October 2024, be TUPE transferred and directly employed by Haringey Council, who meaningfully engaged with staff through various fora, including regular structured meetings. UNISON's experience of Fusion in Haringey was of appalling management practices, divisive tactics, and a complete refusal to engage in any way whatsoever with Unions to help improve working conditions.

- UNISON were confident that the current administration was adhering to its manifesto commitment to insourcing public services. The manner in which Fusion Lifestyle had run all the centres into the ground is reckless and contemptible for both its staff group and residents of Haringey, in particular, vulnerable people.

- UNISON looked forward, as always, to working with the Council in welcoming their members and other Fusion employees back to an employer who would treat them with respect, provide meaningful career progression opportunities and help members acquire additional skills to enable them to explore other options in planning their career paths. This could only lead to a better Leisure offer for all residents throughout the borough.

The following was noted in response to questions from members:

·         Cllr Simmons-Safo thanked Unison for their deputation and concurred with the information shared.

·         Cllr White sought clarification around Fusion and trade unions, and it was explained that Fusion did not recognise trade unions.

·         At present, the difference between the Council and Fusion was Unison would only be allowed to come in at the investigation stage of a grievance process.

·         There were wider benefits of insourcing, Unison had spoken to members in Fusion and there was an immense morale issue

Councillor Arkell responded to the deputation; the following was noted:

By bringing leisure services in-house, members would make sure that they were publicly accountable and democratically run. Councillor Arkell was concerned about the way Fusion had managed the leisure centres, the treatment of staff and vulnerable, elderly, and disabled residents. One of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5