CaRT's new strategy means 250 jobs 'at risk'

THE Canal & River Trust tells that as part of its 'waterways and wellbeing strategy' 250 jobs are 'at risk'.

It gives the reason as a  'move  to greater resource into regional customer-focussed roles, as part of its waterways and wellbeing strategy, to improve customer service and to engage with local communities'.

Another change of regions

We are told that the announcement will see resource from the Trust’s centrally based roles moved into its six customer-facing regional teams, and operational management roles adapted to meet the requirements of the new regions.

The changes affect approximately 240 colleagues who have been briefed at a series of sessions across the network, and whose existing roles are now ‘at risk’.

Volunteers not affected

Those affected include professional, supervisory and management roles. Waterway operatives, team leaders and volunteer leaders are not affected by the changes. During the consultation period with the trade unions, which will commence next week, those affected will have the opportunity to discuss their aspirations and preferred outcomes.

 Chief Executive Richard Parry, comments:

“The Trust has been repositioning as a charity for the waterways and wellbeing, with a new structure that has seen us move from ten waterways to six larger regions, with some activities previously managed centrally now devolved to these regional teams, and a reduction in senior manager numbers overall."