Welsh language jobs uncertainty

Intervention of Minister for Lifelong Learning and Welsh Language urgently required says UNISON

UNISON Cymru/Wales has called on Welsh Government Minister for Lifelong Learning and Welsh Language to intervene with organisations involved in the tendering of Welsh Language for Adults learning services.

Welsh Government awarded the role of commissioning Welsh Language for Adults to the National Centre for Learning Welsh. Staff members involved in delivering the courses are due to commence new contracts from 1 August, but some are yet to receive confirmation over their future employment.

Dominic MacAskill, UNISON Cymru/Wales head of local government, said:

“It is simply not acceptable that hundreds of staff and thousands of Welsh learners are unsure whether courses due to start running in August and September will go ahead.

“Some of our members involved in delivering these courses are unclear whether they will be transferred to a new employer or made redundant. It’s clearly unfair that they are being kept in limbo like this. They deserve to know what is happening with their jobs and whether they will be able to support their families and pay their bills come August.

“As the Welsh Government is accountable for Welsh Language for Adults, we believe that they have a duty of care over those who provide the service, hence why we have written to the Minister today to intervene in this matter.

“UNISON is clear that the workers involved should be protected under TUPE and that they are entitled to be treated fairly in this process. The ongoing lack of clarity is not good enough.”