British Embassy staff threaten walk-out over job cuts

The British Embassy in Ireland could be forced to close after staff today threatened to strike in a row over job cuts.

Union leaders claimed that rather than prepare for a visit by England's royals , senior officials were planning redundancies.

Embassy workers are said to be angry and upset after three Irish employees were sent compulsory redundancy notices.

Union bosses at Unite have sent a letter to Ambassador David Reddaway warning that if the jobs are cut, staff will walk-out.

“Everybody thought the embassy was planning for a Royal visit while instead they were getting ready to axe loyal staff,” said regional officer Colm Quinlan.

The three Irish workers have a total of 20 years service between them and deal with UK trade and investment matters in Ireland.

Staff at the embassy in Ballsbridge have threatened to strike over the row and picket the offices.

Unite, which represents 40 members of staff at the embassy, has called a general meeting open to all employees for Tuesday to discuss the issue.

The Dublin embassy is the only British consular office outside of the UK which recognises trade union membership.

Unite said there has been an agreed set of procedures to deal with issues and disputes since 2003. Mr Quinlan said the action is understood to have originated in London and falls outside the agreed procedures.

“We were advised that some restructuring might take place in 2008 but that this would not involve compulsory redundancy,” he said.

“Our members are angry and upset and we have made it very clear that the action will be opposed, with strike action if needed.

“Tuesday’s meeting will decide on whether we need to go to that level immediately and if so, to put plans in place for a full picket.”