Inverclyde councillors raise concerns over 'fire and rehire' plan by River Clyde Homes housing association

Concerns have been raised by councillors over a proposed ‘fire and rehire’ plan by a local housing association in Inverclyde.

At the most recent full council meeting, councillors branded River Clyde Homes’ (RCH) proposals as “deeply concerning”.

The housing association is currently in consultation with 44 staff concerning proposed changes to their pension arrangements.

It comes after workers who remain on the final salary Strathclyde Pension Fund following the stock transfer in 2007 were told that they would be moved on to the Scottish Housing Association Pension Scheme (SHAPS).

The revised offer was rejected through their trade union with the workers now reportedly placed on 60 days’ notice.

Councillor Colin Jackson has put forward a motion expressing concerns that the company is considering cutting staff who don’t agree to changes to their pension and offering them their positions back on new terms.

His motion also called on the chief executive of Inverclyde Council to write to RCH about the matter.

The motion, seconded by Councillor Paul Cassidy, was unanimously approved.

Councillor Jackson said: “We have a duty to stand up for local workers and the ‘fire and rehire’ proposal is deeply concerning.

“Such action would be an affront to workers’ rights and to the trade union movement.

“I’m grateful for the support of fellow councillors from across the chamber in joining with me to highlight this matter.”

Councillor Cassidy added: “We know it’s a tough time financially for many organisations, including River Clyde Homes, but potentially forcing staff to reluctantly accept significant changes to their terms and conditions is completely unacceptable.

“RCH must go back to the drawing board and come up with another plan that respects workers’ rights.”

River Clyde Homes said it had written to the chief executive of Inverclyde Council to address the concerns raised.

A spokesperson added: “River Clyde Homes is a registered charity that provides essential services to around 8,000 tenants and residents across Inverclyde. Our responsibility is to ensure value for money for our customers by maintaining affordable rents while safeguarding the long-term sustainability of the organisation.

“Pension arrangements have a significant financial implication and, like many other organisations, we have had to review what is viable going forward.

“We are in consultation with 44 staff (14% of our workforce) concerning proposed changes to their pension arrangements. We have also recently written to the chief executive of Inverclyde Council to address the concerns raised.

“We remain committed to open and constructive dialogue throughout this process.”