Protesters are taking to the streets in Preston on Saturday to fight back against plans to close social care centres

***********Press Release for immediate release********

1. Protestors march against threatened Reform cuts.

2. Unison General Secretary (elect) Andrea Egan to address the crowd.

Saturday 17 January will see a large protest march wind its way through the streets of Preston against Reform controlled Lancashire County Council’s threat to care homes, day centres and older people’s services.

Reform in Lancashire have put out a consultation on the future of 8 of the County’s care homes and day care facilities. The services provide essential services for some of the county’s most vulnerable older people.

The consultation has met with a furious response as workers, service users and carers/family members have organised to oppose any threat of closure or privatisation. The local government union Unison has been actively recruiting amongst the workforce and witnessed a significant increase in membership locally. Opposition councillors, led by the main opposition group, Progressive Lancashire, have taken the fight forward in the council.

Now the three groups, Unison, opposition councillors, and local campaign groups have come together to march through Preston demanding that the Reform council give guarantees that there will be no closures, no attempt to privatise services and no redundancies.

Leader of the Progressive Lancashire group, Councillor Azhar Ali, said:

“Reform made it clear that they were considering the closure or privatisation of these vital services for older people. They have been shocked by the level of opposition they have met and are now claiming that they haven’t made a decision yet. Well all we are asking is that they give a clear commitment: no closures, no privatisation and no job losses”

The march on Saturday has been organised by Unison and by local Lancashire County Councillor Michael Lavalette.  Cllr Lavalette said:

“We are delighted that this march will be held in Preston. It brings the trade union (Unison), opposition councillors and local campaign groups together. We will hear from councillors, MPs, union activists and family members of people in the threatened homes and centres. We are really pleased that the new General Secretary of Unison, Andrea Egan will speak at the rally – her first demonstration since her election!”

Reform Lancashire Council have moved to curtail workers right to speak out about the threat to jobs and services. All staff have been sent a letter (attached) which suggests that speaking publicly about their work or working conditions would be a breach of contract. 

As a consequence workers statements will be read out by councillors allowing workers voices to be heard, but protecting them from draconian restrictions on their freedom of speech.

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