Library changes ‘won’t lead to huge job losses’

THERE won’t be a large number of job losses at Cardiff’s libraries as part of a restructure, council bosses have said.

The council is planning to convert many of the city’s remaining libraries into “community well-being hubs” to offer a wider range of services.

The move has been criticised by a union, which said many workers are “in shock and in fear of their jobs” as the council has confirmed there will be a reduction in staff.

The plans were passed by Cardiff council’s cabinet on Thursday. At a previous hearing councillors were told a £200,000 saving is expected as result of the proposals.

Cabinet member for housing and communities Lynda Thorne said the proposals would protect enhance the library services.

“I really do think this is an exciting proposal,” she said.

“It shows our commitment to protecting library buildings and protecting and enhancing the library service.

“With an increasingly older population and social isolation there’s a need to bring those services into other areas of the city.”

She added she had met with Unison to allay their fears.

Cllr Thorne said: “They welcome the fact that we’re protecting the library services. The likelihood of staff displacement would be minimal if any at all.”

Jane Thomas, the council’s assistant director housing and communities, told a Community and Adult Services Scrutiny Committee she did not foresee huge job losses.

She said: “The exact details of the and staff changes are not known. They will go through once we get cabinet approval. A £200,000 saving is not many staff.

“It’s not a huge reduction in the number of staff. There are a number of staff within the library service who want to go on voluntary severance.

“We’re not anticipating large number of people being displaced. With people who want to go voluntarily that will facilitate this change.”

Unison have criticised Cardiff council for a lack of information about the changes, which “is causing real anxiety” among staff.

Under the changes, the new hubs would deliver services such as libraries, money advice, training and employment support.

Radyr, Whitchurch, Rhiwbina, Rhydypenau, Penylan and Canton are the areas of Cardiff proposed for the new hubs.