Britain’s largest union, Unite accused government ministers of
‘staggering complacency’ and called for an investigation following
today’s (Thursday 21 June) urgent question in the House of Commons
on the awarding of a contract to Capita to run the UK military fire
and rescue services. The urgent question followed reports in the
Financial Times that Capita had been awarded the multi-million 12
year contract by the Ministry of Defence despite a financial health
assessment attaching the...Request free
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Britain’s largest union, Unite accused government ministers
of ‘staggering complacency’ and called for an investigation
following today’s (Thursday 21 June) urgent question in the House
of Commons on the awarding of a contract to Capita to run the UK
military fire and rescue services.
The urgent question followed reports in the Financial
Times that Capita had been awarded the multi-million 12 year
contract by the Ministry of Defence despite a financial health
assessment attaching the highest possible risk rating to the
outsourcing company.
Capita scored 10 out of 10 for risk in a
document prepared for the MoD. One indicates the lowest probability
of distress and 10 the
highest. As part of the
risk assessment Capita was also awarded a ‘health score’ of just
three out of 100. A score of 25 or less is deemed to be in a red
‘warning area’ of heightened
vulnerability.
Commenting Unite national officer Jim Kennedy
said: “The complacency displayed by government
ministers is simply staggering. There needs to be an investigation
into how Capita can be awarded such a sensitive and important
contract despite being graded the highest financial risk possible
in the government’s own
assessment.
“The award of this contact risks our
defence and points to a government that is willing carry on with
the outsourcing racket at all costs. Ministers need to learn the
lessons of the Carillion collapse and call time on the outsourcing
gravy train that puts our public services at
risk.”
Capita beat Serco to be awarded the contract. Capita
has been forced to borrow over £700 million after racking up losses
of £513 million last year.
MoD firefighters and defence workers are employed in
both civilian and military roles and are responsible for ensuring
the safety of military bases both in the UK and abroad. There are
between 1,500–2,000 workers affected by this decision. The workers
also have to protect military equipment in war
zones.
