Job losses fear at Derby leisure venues as potential big changes take next step

Derby City Council's leader was asked if she would commit to protecting leisure jobs in the city - but hit back saying the question "isn't relevant". Conservative councillor Jonathan Smale told a cabinet meeting he was worried for people's jobs over a decision being made to potentially outsource the management of Derby Arena and other venues across the city.

Last week it was reported new operators are being explored long term for venues including Derby Arena, Springwood Leisure Centre, the Orangery and kiosks at Markeaton Park and Waterside Café and community and sports facilities at Alvaston Park.

It is hoped such a move, for new operators to run the facilities on the Labour-led council's behalf, could lead to the authority making significant savings. This decision to step forward potential outsourcing comes at a time when the council is struggling financially due to rising pressures on its services.

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But Derby City Council say should any outsourcing proposal happen, staff working at these venues will be transferred to the new operator and therefore will not lose their job. This would happen once any new contract with an operator or operators is finalised.

However, Councillor Smale fears the council could decide to make job cuts in the leisure sector before any contracts are drawn up with new operators.

Councillor Peatfield admitted during Wednesday's cabinet meeting (November 13) that outsourcing venues is a "difficult one" but said there were benefits to be had. She said: "This is a difficult one for us as an administration and a cabinet. I don't think it is a place anyone wants us to be in. Our instict would be to keep things in-house.

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"But we all have to admit when we have been proved wrong. This example is Moorways Sports Village. It's a fantastic offer. We've seen first hand how the operator Everyone Active works with the local community, not just the users within the site.

"But in particular for us, it is that social impact and social benefits that come with an external operator. That doesn't always come but we can set that bar."

Councillor Peatfield reminded the cabinet and other councillors that the decision being made at the meeting was moving the outsourcing proposal "to the next stage" only and no final decisions had yet been made. But Councillor Smale then asked Councillor Peatfield if there was going to be a commitment to protect leisure jobs during the outsourcing procurement process.

Councillor Peatfield replied: "Ultimately it is 18 months down the line, we are dealing with this paper today at cabinet. We are not dealing with a budget discussion. That will be analysed when the time comes." Shortly afterwards Councillor Peatfield told Councillor Smale: "Your question isn't relevant."

After the meeting Councillor Smale said: "I had hoped for a long-term commitment to secure jobs for staff involved in this project. Unfortunately, the negative responses from cabinet members suggest that this commitment may not be honoured”.

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