Military base caretakers in Scotland face losing jobs and homes under MOD plans

Military base caretakers in Scotland are among more than 100 workers who face losing their jobs and homes under plans to abolish remaining caretaker posts, a union has warned.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has launched a four-week consultation on proposals to remove 125 caretaker roles across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union says around 88% of those affected currently live in accommodation tied to their employment, meaning some workers could also be required to leave their homes if they are made redundant.

The consultation, which opened on July 15, proposes removing all remaining Army caretaker posts.

PCS says caretakers provide an important on-site presence at military sites, including responding to emergencies, securing buildings, supporting police and fire services, managing contractors and deliveries, and helping maintain health and safety standards.

They also open facilities for Army Reserve and cadet units and can act as a first point of contact when incidents occur outside normal working hours.

Proposed cuts branded ‘devastating’

The union has warned that removing the posts could lead to the loss of experienced staff with decades of service and local knowledge.

PCS general secretary Fran Heathcote said the proposals are “devastating”.

She said: “Over 100 dedicated workers face losing not only their jobs, but also the homes that come with them, after years, often decades, of loyal service keeping sites safe, secure and operational.

“At a time when affordable housing is increasingly out of reach, expecting families to rebuild their lives within a matter of months is simply unacceptable.”

The MoD says the proposals are intended to support commitments made under the Strategic Defence Review to reduce Civil Service workforce costs and headcount.

It estimates the changes would result in net workforce savings of £12.5m over ten years.

However, PCS has raised concerns about the systems intended to replace some of the work currently carried out by caretakers.

‘A lot of caretakers live hand to mouth’

Following the announcement, caretakers have spoken out about the proposals, saying the savings made would be “miniscule”.

“The MoD at least owe us the factual data we need, but they haven’t even given us that,” said one caretaker.

“A lot of us live hand to mouth and there has been nothing from the MoD to explain how they will help us secure new accommodation, such as paying the deposit for a home,” said another member.

Another member said the plans went against prime minister Andy Burnham’s goal to eradicate homelessness as many caretakers and their families now faced eviction.

One caretaker queried the economics behind the decision, saying: “This results in such minuscule savings for the MOD overall, it doesn’t make any sense.”

The union says the MoD’s own consultation acknowledges gaps in contractor support and digital security systems at some sites.

Ms Heathcote said: “The MOD’s own consultation acknowledges shortcomings in the contractor and digital systems that are expected to replace these roles, yet it is pressing ahead regardless.

“PCS will oppose these proposals vigorously and continue to fight to protect both these vital jobs and the people who do them.”

The consultation is due to close on August 14.

An Army spokesperson said: “The Army is conducting a comprehensive review of caretaking arrangements at Reserve Centres and University Officer Training Corps (UOTC) sites to ensure we provide the most effective and efficient support for our Reserve and UOTC locations whilst fulfilling our duty of care to employees.

“The welfare of our caretakers, many of whom have given dedicated service to the Army, remains our priority. We will explore all options for supporting employees, including redeployment opportunities, and will ensure full consideration of accommodation arrangements.”