Eastbourne Borough Council- via an expensive and private PR contract (long gone are the days of professional press officers working directly for councils in the public good!) managed the most impressive and horrifying spin on a new arrangement with Lewes District Council.... and the loss of 79 jobs from the Borough Council's dedicated workforce.
For once, we can't put it any better than the local press. Reporter Peter Lindsay said:
"Hang on, look what that sentence says: 'The new working arrangements will see both councils consulting with staff over the reduction of up to 79 full-time posts.
Buried at the bottom. Up to 79 full time job losses.
To try to hide that, and bury it so low down, is simply wrong. It is treating the people of Eastbourne - and indeed the Lewes district - with contempt.
We expect openness and we expect honesty. This is an example of neither, and if the taxpayer is paying Cobb PR to pump out council material, then it should not be done in such a shocking way as this.
And one last thought which the council and PR staff would do well to take heed of. What I dislike most is the lack of humanity shown.
These are people. Losing their jobs. They shouldn't be treated as a footnote on a press release.
They should be given respect. They should be thanked for their work. "
You can read the full article here. We will be in contact with Unison at Eastbourne and Lewes to give local trade unionists the full picture. Meanwhile, Peter Lindsey's opening words in that Eastbourne Independent say it all:
"I honestly think today that leaders and senior officials at Eastbourne Borough Council should hang their heads in shame. "
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