HS2 security staff in Birmingham are facing job losses as OCS announces cuts to night and weekend shifts, impacting hundreds of employees across the region.
The changes affect night and weekend security at various sites. Staff were informed during a Microsoft Teams call last week. The cuts will take effect on March 3, leaving only weekday security staff.
OCS is reducing shifts to save costs. They plan to cut 727 shifts, totaling over 8,700 hours of work weekly. A document revealed that most night and weekend staff will be impacted.
Workers are now in a 30-day consultation period. Many feel uncertain about their job prospects. One staff member expressed concern about the lack of security for valuable equipment on HS2 sites.
Another worker shared that they were promised long-term employment. Now, they face redundancy with little notice. The financial climate makes finding new jobs even harder.
HS2 aims to improve security with new technology. They plan to use security cameras and increase mobile patrols. However, many workers worry about the effectiveness of these changes without adequate staffing.
An HS2 spokesperson emphasized that safety and security are top priorities. They are working to ensure efficient security solutions for all sites. OCS has not yet responded to requests for comment.
