Safety fears after bogus janitor found in primary
December 19, 2012CONCERNS have been raised for child safety after a bogus janitor attempted to work a shift at a primary school.
The man turned up at Paisley’s Gallowhill Primary, after the council began using an agency to supply staff following budget cuts.
The incident, in March, emerged as a bitter dispute deepened between Renfrewshire Council and the union Unison over janitors’ working conditions.
Staff are currently being balloted for industrial action.
A spokesman for Renfrewshire Council said the bogus worker, who was the brother of the worker the agency had sent to the school, was immediately challenged by the head teacher and sent away.
He said the agency worker concerned had not been back to the school.
The incident at Gallowhill is believed to be a one-off, and the agency involved told the Evening Times it is “confident it will not be repeated.”
However, unions claim it is an example of a drop in standards since the council began using agency staff.
Mark Ferguson, branch secretary for Unison in Paisley, said: “The head teacher approached the person.
“It became clear the person wasn’t who they were supposed to be, it was his brother, and he was sent away.”
The council spokesman added: “The agency contract has strict conditions concerning the Protecting Vulnerable Groups checks, which must be undertaken for all staff supplied to work in schools, equivalent to those applied for council staff.
“This isolated incident was addressed immediately, and both the council and the agency have reviewed procedures to prevent such an incident in future.”
Unison also claim the new system leaves gaps in cover and says some of the changes brought in are “detrimental to the safety of the workforce, pupils and public” – something the council disputes.
The union has highlighted a string of problems with the council using agency staff to cover janitorial duties.
The document said: “Problems have arisen in respect of unlocked doors, unsupervised lets, individuals not covered by the Protecting Vulnerable Groups scheme (PVG), alarms not being set.”
The Unison document was based on a survey of its members.
However, the council say there is no evidence to support the union allegations.
Following failed attempts to resolve the dispute with the council, Unison is now balloting members over industrial action up to and including a strike.
Mr Ferguson added: “Unison has made every effort to avoid a dispute situation but the council’s position remains unchanged and they remain unwilling to engage with us in a meaningful way.
“We expect members to vote overwhelmingly for action in the formal ballot.”
A spokesman for the council said: “The janitorial service in schools has been reviewed to improve efficiency, reduce costs and provide an improved service.
“The new approach was introduced after lengthy negotiation with the trade unions and employees and was supported by 78% of trade union members in a ballot.
“The implementation of the new service has not resulted in any increased risk of safety or security concerns.
“The role of the janitors has been enhanced to ensure that this is a key element of the job role.
“We believe that further discussions and negotiation can resolve any issues.
Posted by Scot Moore.
