Bridge House in Worthing is set to close because WSCC is unable to renew its lease there with its landlord.
WSCC only became a tenant in 2022 after deciding not to invest in Centenary House, Durrington – a building it owned. Three years later and staff are required to move again, this time to an office space which it will rent from Arun District Council in Littlehampton.
This will be hugely disruptive to staff and expensive to the Council, who will not only have to facilitate the move but pay for staff’s extra mileage.
880 staff are impacted. UNISON is currently supporting its members through the consultation which finishes on 5th January.
Local negotiations
Prior to consultation starting, UNISON West Sussex negotiated with WSCC management on some aspects of the proposals. Importantly, as a result of this negotiation:
- The proposed move is designated as temporary with a commitment to return to the Worthing area when practicable (likely connected to LGR);
- For this move, the claims period for reimbursement of excess mileage through the Office Relocation Policy has increased from two years to three years.
For the consultation now underway, UNISON members should now send in their comments to their designated rep to inform our response on behalf of members to the Council.
Personal circumstances
Naturally there are significant concerns for members who have childcare issues or disabilities. Don’t hesitate to reach out to UNISON for advice if you have concerns that are specific to your circumstances. UNISON can really add value at these times by advising you of your rights and supporting you to get the best outcome possible.
Officer visits
UNISON officers will be visiting Bridge House during the consultation period on the following dates:
- Monday 8 December (11.00am-3.00pm; Third floor kitchen, west side)
- Thursday 11 December
- Monday 15 December
- Wednesday 17 December.
Please encourage non-members at Bridge House to join us.