Clarks say firing and rehiring staff is "last resort" they want to avoid
Demonstrations are set to go ahead at the shoemakers' headquarters in Somerset today
Demonstrations against fire and rehire practices are taking place outside Clarks’ headquarters in Somerset today (26 July).
It follows new contracts being put forward by the company - which Unite the Union say are "inferior".
Unite say the proposals would see reductions in overtime rates, sick pay, parental leave, redundancy packages and call out pay.
They add that staff are being told they will be “fired” from their old employment contracts and “rehired” into new ones.
Unite regional officer Gareth Lowe says they are working to stop the "attacks":
"Our members, as well as their warehouse colleagues in the Community union, will not stand for Clarks attempts to slash their terms and conditions.
"Fire and rehire is wrong and Clarks risks having its entire Street operations shut down during strikes if it does not change tack."
Gareth Lowe - Unite the Union
The union are backing a bill to outlaw fire and rehire, which was put forward in Parliament by Barry Gardiner MP - who will be joining the demonstration in Somerset today. He says:
"I have been really encouraged by the support I have received from MPs from every party and every corner of the country. This issue affects millions of working people across Britain and their families.
"Every union and good employer knows fire and rehire is wrong and together we can make Britain the best place to work. Carpenters, cleaners and comedians all back this Bill.
"I have been travelling the country to promote the Bill and I have heard terrible stories that are an embarrassment to British industry but together I know we can win."
Barry Gardiner MP
In response, a spokesperson for Clarks tells us the proposals are part of a company-wide plan to "protect the future of the business".
The company says they want to avoid the fire and rehire practice, adding that they have always regarded that as a "last resort".
A spokesperson for Clarks provided us with the following statement:
"Clarks has been consulting with unions and employees on proposed changes to employment terms and conditions for both our UK corporate employees and our UK distribution centre operatives at our Westway Distribution Centre in Street, Somerset. Clarks did not undertake this lightly, but the proposals are part of a company-wide plan to protect the future of the business which has been under stress for several years and especially during the pandemic.
"These proposals follow a review of Clarks’ operating model and form part of the company’s measures to secure future viability, with a view to protecting jobs. Right from the start Clarks has taken a constructive and collaborative approach in both HQ and distribution centre consultation processes, seeking to reach a compromise and avoid the need to terminate contracts on current terms and offer re-engagement on new terms, which the company has always regarded as the very last resort.
"Following a collective consultation with employee and trade union representatives, Clarks has reached a compromise on proposed changes to employment terms and conditions for its UK corporate employees, which include the HQ in Street, Somerset. As a result of the constructive negotiations, Clarks compromised on the proposals originally set out by the company, including the removal of a reduction of holiday entitlement, and improving proposed terms relating to sick pay and maternity pay.
"Clarks is confident that the vast majority of UK corporate and HQ employees understand the need for change and will accept the new terms and conditions.
"We continue to consult with unions and employees at our Westway Distribution Centre on proposed changes to employment terms and conditions for all Operatives. This process is ongoing, and we are hopeful for a constructive conclusion in due course."