Exodus of Homebase staff after changes to shift work

HOMEBASE staff handed in their notices in a protest against what they claim are “impossible” changes to shift patterns.

The DIY store, based at Bridgend retail park, entered a consultation period with staff to “review the best options available” – but an anonymous employee said they were put on four-hour shifts, meaning a reduction in income and pensions.

The employee said 14 staff members left the company last Friday because they said they were not working enough hours to make ends meet.

Homebase spokesman Adam Manning refused to confirm how many staff had been made redundant or left, and stopped responding to the Gazette when asked whether the employee’s facts were correct.

The employee said: “After Christmas, a manager transferred to Bridgend and everything was changed around. Before that, Bridgend was known as the best store they’d had, but the staff became very disillusioned.

“Then one day the manager said hours were being cut. People couldn’t afford to just do four hours – there were losses in pensions and holiday pay.”

Mr Manning said: “Our Homebase store in Bridgend is working to match the availability of customer-facing colleagues with demand. This has meant that we are making a number of changes to our shift patterns.

“We have held consultation meetings with affected colleagues to review the best options available. Homebase remains committed to Bridgend.”

After being asked three times whether the “changes to shift patterns” had resulted in redundancies, Mr Manning said: “Some colleagues have taken redundancy. I’m afraid I’m not able to confirm any numbers.”

Source : Carys Hepworth - Glamorgan Gazette
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/south-wales-news/bridgend-maesteg/2012/04/05/exodus-of-homebase-staff-after-changes-to-shift-work-91466-30695606/