Shocked staff of the Via Partnership were told last night that their employment will be ended immediately. 

The Leyland-based organisation operates across Lancashire and provides advice and guidance for young people and adults, and business support for workforce development.  UNISON understands from the Administrators that over 70 staff are to lose their jobs with immediate effect.

The Via Partnership is owned by Lancashire County Council, Blackpool Council and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council.  UNISON – the union that represents staff at Via, has called on the councils to intervene.

Pat Grant, UNISON Regional Organiser said:

“Staff were truly shocked and devastated by the news they heard last night.  To be told that they will immediately lose their jobs without warning or consultation, was terrible.  Staff were visibly shaken by the announcement and are worried about the impact on their service users – who have been left high and dry.  We will work to support our members through this very difficult time and challenge their employer’s actions.  Via boasts of looking after its own employees, but the way their staff were treated last night was particularly callous.

"The staff are experienced and highly-skilled and they perform valuable work.  Via aims to counter the social problems caused by worklessness, and there is a desperate need for this type of service to be available in Lancashire. UNISON is calling on the three councils that own Via to intervene to save the jobs and the service."