UNISON and UNITE are calling on North Somerset Council to put a stop to
plans to privatise transport services, warning that outsourcing could put
vulnerable young children at risk.
Drivers currently undergo vigorous testing to ensure they are capable of
driving disabled young people across the region. Tests include driver
training, eye sight tests, understanding the meaning of disabilities and
frequent driver assessments. Unions believe the privatisation of the service
will mean these stringent measures will be lost.
In a joint letter to the chief executive the unions accused the council of
failing to undertake a proper consultation or a business risk assessment over
outsourcing, due to take place in January 2010.
Ian Ducat, UNISON Regional Secretary for the South West, said;