MoD site closures – Prospect acts for members

Library

MoD site closures – Prospect acts for members

Prospect will be in discussions with MoD over the implications for civilian staff of site closures taking place under the Defence Estates Optimisation programme.



The Secretary of State for Defence announced yesterday that a further 13 sites have been identified for disposal by or around 2020, under the MoD Estate Optimisation Strategy. The announcement states that site rationalisation is aimed at meeting the needs of the Armed Forces and releasing land for housing, but does not mention the impact on MoD staff, although it does commit MoD to consultation with the trade unions over reprovisioning of MoD support.

Prospect has previously raised concerns with MoD about how site closure announcements have been handled. In the wake of similar announcements earlier this year, members contacted the union with acute concerns about potential relocation and job security. Uncertainty about the future also threatens MoD’s operations as highly-qualified staff look elsewhere for work.

MoD has assured the union that there will be full consultation over the impact on staff of all site closures announced to date. Prospect will press MoD to offer viable alternative work that is a good match for the skill sets and locations of members affected, and will keep members informed of developments in consultation. The MoD’s stated aim of a defence estate that supports future Armed Forces capability cannot be achieved without the input of Prospect members’ expertise.