ACAS Transformation Programme

EDM number 226 in 2017-19, proposed by Chris Stephens on 19/07/2017.
Categorised under the topics of Employment, Industrial relations and Information technology.

That this House notes the Advisory, Consiliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) Transformation Programme which was established in October 2016 to digitalise services provided by ACAS to attract younger people and to better meet the needs of customers; believes that the transformation programme threatens the services ACAS currently provides to the public as well as the employment of over 340 staff; further believes that the programme is not driven by budget reductions nor by its sponsor Department, BEIS, and that the speed of change is entirely within the control of ACAS; understands that the programme will lead to the closure of 7 out of 11 advice lines, the loss of free employment advice, job cuts due to office closures and a negative impact on deprived areas where some offices are based; regrets that ACAS, an organisation whose role is to avoid disputes between employers and their workforce, did not consult with the recognised trade union PCS; is firmly of the opinion that ACAS provides a vital service for all members of the public and at a time of change and uncertainty within Government, the need for this service is greater than ever before; and therefore calls on the Government to request that ACAS review the Transformation Programme and fully consult with staff representatives to ensure that the full range of services remain available to all and that job security is secured for those specialists working within ACAS for the foreseeable future.

This motion has been signed by a total of 3 MPs.