GMB Legal Action On Savoy
Tuesday 25th January
2011
GMB LODGES EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNAL
CASE AGAINST SAVOY VENTURES LTD
OVER CHANGES TO AMBULANCE STAFF CONTRACTS SINCE TRANSFER
FROM NHS TRUST
GMB believe that it is now
time for South London NHS Healthcare Trust to take action and
remove the contract from these cowboy operators
GMB has today issued tribunal proceedings against Savoy Ventures
Ltd, the private contractor which took over the patient transport
services contract for South London NHS Healthcare Trust across
South East London.
The patient transport contact covers
staff working out of Greenwich, Barnhurst and Bromley Ambulance
stations. They transport patient attending Guys & St Thomas,
Kings College, Lewisham and Royal Marsden Hospitals. They cover
most of South East London, including Woolwich, Barnhurst, Erith,
Sidcup, Welling, Lewisham, Farnborough, and Biggin Hill.
These legal proceedings relate to the
way in which the transfer of staff was implemented when Savoy won
the contract. GMB is also challenging the legality of further
measures taken by Savoy since the staff were transferred to the
company. GMB believe that these measures have altered the
employment terms and conditions. The changes relate to the
loss of a London Weighting payment of 15%, failure to properly
recognise and consult with GMB and the loss of unsocial hours
payments and subsistance allowances.
GMB has objected to the decision to
place the patient transport service in the hands of Savoy Ventures.
During the bidding process the directors were found to be a record
of serial bankrupts and to owe money to the Inland Revenue.
Rob Macey, Regional Organiser said,
"GMB consider that our public services should not be placed
in the hands of this company. Since the transfer of staff from the
Trust took place GMB has been proved right. GMB have seen standards
drop and an increase in complaints by the public and from within
the Trust itself.
GMB now believe that enough is
enough. GMB is full square behind our members and has issued
Employment Tribunal claims against Savoy. GMB firmly believe that
it is now time for South London NHS Healthcare Trust to take action
and remove the contract from these cowboy operators."
Ends
Contact: Rob Macey,
GMB Organsier on 07710 618 908 or GMB Press Office: Steve Pryle on
07921 289880 or Rose Conroy on 07974 251823.