Reform Lancashire County Council victory prompts 'be a part of a union' warning

Invoice Jacobs

Native Democracy Reporting Service

LCC Lancashire County Council gates — A councillor has highlighted feedback from the celebration’s management on working from dwelling, reducing prices and the way forward for Variety, Equality and Inclusion roles.

Labour politicians have warned council employees to “be a part of a union” after Reform UK took management of the authority.

Hyndburn Council Labour enterprise and progress spokesman Scott Brereton’s name got here after Reform nationwide chief Nigel Farage stated home-workers and folks concerned in variety, equality and inclusion (DEI) had been within the celebration’s sights.

Farage spoke after his celebration took management of Lancashire County Council on 1 Might.

Brereton stated: “Nigel Farage has made it clear the type of modifications he needs Reform-led councils to make, saying ‘Work at home? Overlook it. If you’re a DEI officer, I recommend you search for one other job’.”

Brereton added: “It is outrageous that instantly they’re vowing to remove family-friendly and versatile working practices, in addition to equality, variety and inclusion initiatives.

“They appear to have a view that individuals who earn a living from home are lazy, when in actuality it helps individuals work extra successfully and saves councils cash.”

Stephen Atkinson defected from the Conservatives to Reform UK

Stephen Atkinson standing outside in front of greenery smiling in the sunshine. He has short fair hair and stubble and is wearing a blue suite and Reform UK rosette — Stephen Atkinson defected from the Conservatives to Reform UK

The Lancashire Affiliation of Trades Union Councils spokesperson stated organisations like Reform UK sought to divide workforces.

“Just a few weeks in the past, Reform MPs voted towards banning exploitative zero-hours contracts. They voted towards day-one entry to sick pay. They don’t seem to be on the aspect of working individuals,” a spokesman stated.

However Stephen Atkinson, who had been Conservative chief of Ribble Valley Council however is now tipped to develop into the Reform UK chief of the county council, stated there was nothing “backward” or “scandalous” about opposing DEI initiatives.

“Not solely can we reject DEI, we fully refuse to stick to it.

“DEI, by its nature, is discriminatory and prejudiced.

“Reform UK will be sure that hiring practices are based mostly solely on efficiency and benefit—not on the color of your pores and skin or your private agenda.”