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2 clusters · 4 sources · 3 days · First seen 11 days ago · Last updated 9 days ago

Devon library staffing restructure dispute

Overview

Libraries Unlimited, the organization managing 50 libraries for Devon County Council, has initiated a staff consultation regarding a potential reduction in personnel to manage finances and future operations. While Devon County Council previously increased library funding in May following a large-scale public consultation, officials noted that this specific staffing restructure is a separate matter conducted by the third-party organization.

In response, the pressure group ‘Save Devon’s Libraries’ (SDL) has begun lobbying Members of Parliament to protest the cost-cutting measures. Campaigners warn that the restructure puts 19 experienced library supervisor positions at risk, with only nine new management positions being created. Supported by MP Steve Race, the group has organized a petition and an open letter calling for the restructure to be paused, the financial justifications to be made public, and for alternatives to redundancy to be explored.

Entities

Libraries Unlimited · Devon County Council · Steve Race · Solomon Elliott · Cheryl Cottle Hunkin

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 3 SOURCES] Libraries Unlimited is planning a cost-cutting restructure of the Devon library service.
[● 3 SOURCES] 19 library supervisor jobs are at risk due to the restructure.
[● 3 SOURCES] The restructure would result in 19 supervisors competing for nine new management positions.
[● 3 SOURCES] The Save Devon’s Libraries group is lobbying MPs and has issued an open letter and petition.
[● 3 SOURCES] Devon County Council announced £2 million in funding to protect and improve libraries following a consultation.
[● 3 SOURCES] The public consultation regarding libraries received 25,528 responses.
[● 3 SOURCES] Devon County Council announced £300,000 in one-off grants for library improvements on October 1.

Timeline

9 days ago

[POLITICS] 4 sources
Devon library campaigners petition against potential redundancies
The Save Devon’s Libraries group is petitioning against a restructure by Libraries Unlimited that puts 19 supervisor jobs at risk in Devon, UK.
11 days ago

[CULTURE] 2 sources
Devon librarians face uncertainty amid potential staffing cuts
Libraries Unlimited is conducting a staff consultation in Devon that could reduce the number of librarians as the organisation seeks to manage its finances and operations.

Sources

creditoncourier.co.uk · dartmouth-today.co.uk · ivybridge-today.co.uk · tavistock-today.co.uk