WHILE the Council has insisted it is committed to protecting jobs, staff at the Lakeland Forum are concerned for their futures as a result of the planned redevelopment of the Enniskillen leisure centre.
Major union GMB has stated it previously received assurances from Fermanagh and Omagh District Council that all jobs at the Forum would be protected during the multi-million pound modernisation project.
However, the union is now concerned those workers could “miss out” and their jobs may even be at risk.
The Herald understands that, rather than simply being redeployed to posts elsewhere in the Council, staff will instead have to re-apply for their positions.
GMB regional organiser, Peter Macklin, has been working closely with all involved in the dispute. He, alongside other unions, is urging the Council to clarify the situation and ensure every local worker’s future is secure.
“No worker should lose their job in the Fermanagh Lakeland Forum redevelopment – that was what people were told just weeks ago,” said Mr Macklin.
“But now the council seems to have U-turned. These workers deserve clarity and they deserve job security.
“GMB will fight to ensure every worker’s future remains secure.”
When contacted by the Herald on the issue, a spokesman for the Council said, “Work is ongoing in relation to plans for the proposed redevelopment of Fermanagh Lakeland Forum and it is anticipated that a full business case, which will consider all aspects of the redevelopment, will be presented to Council in Autumn 2024 for consideration.
“The Council is engaging with Fermanagh Lakeland Forum staff and is fully committed to protecting their ongoing employment with the Council. All HR matters are dealt with in line with relevant policies and procedures. We are unable to comment further on employee matters.”
Planning permission for the project was granted in September last year, with artists impressions of what the final building will look like were revealed in December.
So far the Council has secured £20 million for the state-of-the-art redevelopment, which includes plans for a fully-passive eco-friendly 21st century leisure centre. No final budget has been revealed for the project, however the Herald understands significant further funding will be required for the build.
Speaking in January, local Cllr Roy Crawford expressed concern about the financial burden the project could place on local rate payers.
“We are currently still in a financial hardship crisis and that’s continuing. We have to be mindful of that,” he said.
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