MP hits out at building firm's issue of 50 dismissal notices
A Northumberland MP has called on a major house building firm to withdraw dismissal notices issued to 50 construction workers in the North East
In the Commons, Blyth and Ashington MP Ian Lavery MP accused Taylor Wimpey of being among a number of firms shedding workers ahead of new “fire and rehire” legislation due to come into force on January 1.
He went on to call on the firm to withdraw the dismissal notices and return to meaningful negotiations with trade union Unite the Union - warning against attempts to undermine workers’ rights before the legal protections come into force.
Taylor Wimpey says the move is part of a “regular benchmarking exercise” which “identified a small number of direct labour roles where current terms and conditions required review.”
It also says no final resolution has yet been reached and talks are ongoing.
It is understood the company found the North East workers were getting “significantly” better pay rates and terms and conditions compared with equivalent roles in it’s other UK businesses.
Speaking during Business Questions in the House of Commons, Mr Lavery said the firm has issued dismissal notices to 31 joiners and 19 scaffolders to force them onto inferior terms and conditions.
He said: “On January 1 next year, the Government will rightly ban the disgraceful practice of fire and rehire, yet some employers appear determined to exploit it before those protections take effect.
"In the North East, Taylor Wimpey has issued dismissal notices to 31 joiners and 19 scaffolders in an attempt to force them onto worse terms and conditions, leaving hardworking families facing uncertainty in the run-up to Christmas.
"Will the Leader of the House make time for a debate on this shameful practice, and join me in urging Taylor Wimpey to withdraw these notices and return to meaningful negotiations with the workforce and Unite the Union?”
A statement from Taylor Wimpey said: “As part of a regular benchmarking exercise, Taylor Wimpey North East identified a small number of Direct Labour roles where current terms and conditions required review.
"The consultation process was concluded fairly and openly, and we have consulted ACAS as required.
"A grievance has now been raised in line with the Construction Joint Industry Council Working Rule Agreement and we are committed to engaging with employees before a final resolution is reached, with a number of potential outcomes still to be considered.
"We are committed to ensuring all employees are treated fairly and consistently across the business and throughout this process.”