HSE rejects union plans to save North West offices

The 35% cut in the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) budget is starting to bite, with the HSE’s decision to close its offices in Preston and Manchester, both of which are approaching the end of their leases.

The closure will affect 58 and 100 staff respectively — a mix of administrators and inspectors — though the posts will transfer to the HSE’s headquarters in Bootle, Merseyside.

However, the PCS civil service union fears many workers at the Preston office will be unable to make the move because of family and other commitments. Paula Brown, chair of the union’s HSE branch, said: “HSE’s own study showed that at least one in five staff will seek to leave following the move to Bootle, with the figure rising to more than half of lower-paid staff. The loss of skills and local knowledge will take years to replace”.

According to PCS negotiations officer Jayson Sloss there had been an alternative proposal to retain downsized offices in Preston and Manchester which he said would “maintain quality health and safety provision while still offering savings to HSE, and it is disappointing that HSE rejected this possibility.” The union was due to meet HSE management early this month to argue against the closures.

The HSE told the Lancashire Evening Post that it would do “everything in its power” to help staff with the relocation, including offering flexible working hours and home working.