5000 jobs in Jobs Network gone

Date: 04 April 2009

Up to 5,000 job placement workers could be unemployed following last night's announcement of new employment service contracts.

The union representing workers in the Federal Government's Jobs Network, the Australian Services Union, today accused the Federal Department Education, Employment and Workplace Relations of botching the review of contracts to manage the nation's employment network.

"This is a major shock to the sector - workers in all capital cities, regional centres and every country town are unsure if they still have work - and the federal government has not yet released a full list of services cut," ASU assistant national secretary Linda White said today.

Because of the confusion the ASU has launched an information website where workers can register for employment with new providers at http://www.saveourjobs.com.au

ASU NSW-ACT state secretary Sally McManus said workers were left hanging through the day yesterday and there was still no clarity on what services had been cut.

"Our best estimate at present is that 2,000 staff in NSW alone will be made redundant as a result of the government's decision.

Already, the ASU has confirmed 458 jobs will be lost from Mission Australia across the country, 380 from Wesley and at least 200 from the Salvation Army.

"The Department has totally botched this process- it seems bizarre that it could manage to cause widespread unemployment in the very sector established to help people find jobs."

For further information

Contact:	Sally McManus , NSW Branch Secretary
Union:	ASU
Phone:	(02) 9310 4000
Email:	info@asu.org.au
WWW:	http://www.saveourjobs.com.au/

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