Staff working at Hampstead Heath and other historic parks have been told their jobs may be at risk.

The City of London Corporation (CoLC) is restructuring across its open spaces giving rise to concern about the future of public safety.

The union GMB London, representing members employed by CoLC working at Hampstead Heath, Epping Forest, West Ham Park and others, 
has been informed that potentially 40 staff could lose their jobs, with cuts made to park keepers, enforcement officers and other roles.

GMB London region organiser Anna Lee said: “GMB London has been negotiating on pay on behalf of our members at CoL for months now. The reason the corporation gave for not increasing the pay offer was that it would mitigate the need for redundancies. 

"There has been no further pay offer agreeable to our members and now the corporation has announced redundancies in any case."

She added: “These workers help keep the parks clean and safe for all to enjoy but they also deal with an element of the public who pollute and contaminate open spaces with unwelcome behaviour and dangerous habits.

"Any reduction in staffing will mean reduced intervention that could lead to risk and harm being present. Open spaces are a very important part of any community and have a vital role in supporting people’s health and well-being as well as being essential for wildlife.”

One GMB member said: “After the low pay award, to be told you could be losing your job is another kick in the teeth.

"I have worked here for over 20 years and the corporation obviously don’t know or value what we do. 

"As a keeper I have dealt with some very serious situations, such as violent members of the public. 

"One of my concerns is if you cut the number of keepers it means you cut public safety.”

GMB London Region is calling on the corporation, "one of the wealthiest organisations in London’s Square Mile", to "engage measures to ensure that these roles are not made redundant, to keep the public’s health and safety and environment at the forefront of any decision that would otherwise be detrimental to the use and enjoyment of these open spaces".

A CoLC spokesperson said there were positions at risk but new positions would also be created with workers redeployed.

There may be more staff, for example, to support the Hampstead Heath Constabulary, among other tasks.

They added: “These transformative proposals will put our open spaces charities on a sustainable footing, so we continually improve on the current high-quality service for our visitors.

“There are no plans to cut overall job numbers. We will continue to deliver a first-rate public safety service.

"We are creating a range of new roles, with more flexible ways of working, and increased staff skills.

“We will offer staff the chance to apply for vacant or new posts and endeavour to redeploy anyone at risk of redundancy to other roles.

“Our consultation with staff and trade unions is ongoing, both in person and on-site. All staff are encouraged to give feedback and suggestions.”

The corporation did not comment on pay.

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