Union warns 'we will do whatever is necessary' as council defends 'fire and rehire' cost-savings
A union claims the council is controversially attempting to change workers' terms and conditions
Last updated 4th Mar 2025
The GMB Union has threatened to do 'whatever is necessary' as it claims Devon County Council is trying to 'fire and rehire' almost 1,000 staff.
In response the authority says it is 'removing a car user payment as it seeks to modernise and equalise conditions' - something the union say members 'decisively rejected'.
Jake McLean, GMB Regional Organiser said: “By threatening our members, Devon County Council is not only undermining morale but also risking the quality of care and support that our community relies on. Our members have already rejected this offer; bosses need to understand that and treat our members with dignity and respect.
"It’s time for Devon County Council to put their toys back in the pram, withdraw this threat and return to the negotiating table, so we can solve this issue.
"Rather than return to the negotiating table, the council has informed 834 staff of its plans, and told them to submit before 23 March, or face being given notice of termination of employment on 31 Marc - with dismissal and re engagement taking place by 1 July."
In response, a Devon County Council spokesperson said: “The essential car user allowance was dated. Only 15% of the council workforce were in receipt of it while others claimed business mileage allowance to reimburse them for business travel. After lengthy discussions with staff representatives a decision has been made to remove this allowance.
“This decision will save the taxpayer £500,000 and is in line with our mission to deliver a fairer, more efficient and effective organisation.”
The statement adds: "The Essential Car User Allowance has already been removed by all other county and unitary councils in the South West region. The money pays eligible recipients a monthly fee if they use a personal vehicle for council business as well as an HMRC mileage allowance, while 85% of staff only receive the HMRC rate.
"After almost a year of negotiations with trade unions before a mutually-agreed end to discussions, a decision has now been made to remove this allowance. Last week recipients of ECUA were asked to agree to a change in their terms. So far more the 40% have agreed to the change, which will see them receive the payment for another year.
"Those failing to agree new terms will be dismissed and reengaged on new contracts. Several briefing sessions have been held for staff affected by the changes and an FAQ has been published on the council’s intranet to explain them.
"A November 2022 survey showed that all county or unitary authorities in the South West region, apart from Devon County Council, have already removed the allowance. As of February 2025, there were 834 employees in receipt of ECU allowance out of a total of 5,291 corporate employees."
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