MOD new operating model reduces its workforce by 85
Commander of The British Forces in Gibraltar (CBF) Commodore Mike Walliker, Giving a brief to MoD and Locally Employed Contractors of the Military's new operating model.
The Ministry of Defence yesterday set out a new operating model for British Forces Gibraltar including reductions totalling around 85 personnel.
In a statement the MoD stated that over the past 20 months one of the British Forces Command’s priorities had been to consider how to put it onto an “affordable” and “sustainable” footing.
To this end a “Transformation Team” has been working across the whole Command to design an Operating Model that meets the needs of Defence now and for the future, the MoD said.
Central to the new Operating Model is a proposed new organisational structure.
According to the MoD the Chief Minister, Fabian Picardo, has been informed of the proposal and formal consultation with Trades Unions have begun.
The plans incorporate reductions in some areas and new posts in others, and include further reductions in military and UKBC numbers.
“The structure is designed to be efficient, effective and provide professional flexible working across the estate in a way that is affordable and sustainable.”
Locally Employed Civilian reductions are expected to be around 85 and to be achieved by voluntary means, the MoD added.
Funding has been secured for an “attractive” Voluntary Early Release Scheme that will be open to the vast majority of staff and phased by grade, the statement read.
This will create vacancies that will be advertised internally.
“Surplus staff will have priority in applying for vacancies at their substantive grade, but this approach should also create opportunities for promotion.”
On completion of the consultation period with trade unions by November 2, staff will be further advised of the impact of the Operating Model on their individual posts.
The Commander British Forces Gibraltar, Commodore Mike Walliker, yesterday briefed personnel on the new Operating Model.
He said: “Set against the wider MOD context the proposals represent as good an outcome for British Forces Gibraltar as we could have hoped for.”
In answer to a question, he was able to confirm that the new operating model does not incorporate any plans to privatise jobs in the soft Facilities Management team.
Further team briefings with staff are planned to provide further information about the proposals and to provide staff with answers to any other questions they may have related to the proposed Operating Model.
