Union warns staff face 'misery and hardship' as Sheffield City Trust 'plans to axe hundreds more jobs'

Redundancy notices have already been issued across the Trust - including 38 at Sheffield Arena and 41 at Sheffield City Hall.

GMB says further plans see more than 200 jobs at risk at sports and leisure venues including Ponds Forge, IceSheffield and leisure centres across the city.

The news comes despite Sheffield City Council had just last month made a £15m subsidy available to Sheffield City Trust.

GMB said it was ‘unfair’ that ‘the lowest-paid staff’ were being targeted for redundancy.

The union added that only one senior head of service post has been subject to “at risk” status.

Those staff put on notice would be potentially put at a disadvantage for any potential redeployment across the business after the option to consult with unions across all affected workplaces was not taken up by the Trust, the union warned, adding to calls to extend the consultation period.

Lee Parkinson, GMB organiser, said: “The business model used by Sheffield City Trust has failed our members and the residents of Sheffield.

“The Trust's unfair proposals have targeted the lowest paid - and they have failed to prioritise minimising job losses or protecting services in their consultation. Dedicated staff face misery and hardship as jobs are ripped away.

“It is now time to bring leisure and entertainment services back under Sheffield City Council control. This is the only way to protect jobs and secure access to services for local residents."

Mr Parkinson said that Sheffield City Trust had informed GMB that they do not have any money in reserves, despite Sheffield City Council making a £15m subsidy available to the Trust just last month.

GMB said it will campaign along with Sheffield Trades Council and community groups to ‘protect jobs and ensure that the venues open safely for the public to use’.

The Star has contacted the Sheffield City Trust for comment and is awaiting their response.

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