LTB 327/2019 – ISS Target Operating Model – Potential Redundancies – Housekeepers

No. 327/2019                Ref: SB/lm                Date: 31 May 2019

TO ALL BT BRANCHES WITH ISS MEMBERS

Dear Colleague

ISS Target Operating Model – Potential Redundancies – Housekeepers

As you will recall during the TUPE transfer to ISS, and as part of the formal notification of measures, ISS informed the CWU that in order to introduce a new Target Operating Model in accordance with their obligations to BTFS and CBRE, they envisaged proposals for change that may affect  housekeeping services – service management and associated support functions.  This may include changes to work location, working practices, voluntary changes to working hours and/or a reduction in the number of roles.

At a meeting with ISS arranged to discuss the new Target Operating Model the union has been informed that they have undertaken an extensive review to review the housekeeping services that they provide to the BT Estate.

The review has involved a desk top productivity analysis, site visits by the Cleaning Excellence Team who are industry experts and able to benchmark productivity rates globally, the introduction of new equipment to aid productivity and improvements in standards and removal of non-housekeeping activities which will be carried out by CBRE.

As a result of this review ISS have informed the CWU that it is their intention to make a number of efficiencies and cost reductions which will lead to a downsizing in the number of housekeepers currently employed on the BT Contract and employees being put at risk of redundancy.

Proposals for change include the following;

  • Reduction of housekeeping hours depending on the nature of the site
  • Reduction in number of mobile housekeepers and move under separate line management
  • Introduction of supervision in a number of location and the mobile team

ISS have stated that it is their intention to work with the CWU in order to avoid compulsory redundancies whenever possible.  In order to do this and following discussion with the CWU it has been agreed in the first instance to invite applications for voluntary redundancy from colleagues within the housekeeping service.

This will involve all static housekeepers at 77 affected sites and the mobile team across the BT contract, and ISS will be writing to their employees at their home address asking if they are interested in VR.  All expressions of interest will need to be returned by email or post on a form provided.  Please note that all returns need to arrive by no later than noon on Monday 10th June.

Voluntary Redundancy Package on offer is as follows:

In addition to statutory redundancy, a non-contractual redundancy payment will be made as follows:

  • 0.5 week’s pay per complete year of service between ages 18 and 40.
  • 0.75 week’s pay per complete year of service between ages 41 to 65+.
  • For those with less than 2 years’ service a minimum 2 weeks’ pay will be paid irrespective of age or length of service.

Please note there is no obligation by individuals expressing an interest to take VR, neither is there any obligation for ISS to accept applications.

The CWU have stated to ISS that we are vehemently opposed to any compulsory redundancies and that every effort should be made in order to avoid this situation.

It will be our intention to consult with the branches via conference call during this process.

Any queries should be addressed to Sally Bridge sabridge@cwu.org

Yours sincerely

Sally Bridge
National Officer

LTB 327.2019