University cleaning staff at City of London celebrate UNISON brokered Christmas deal

Cleaning staff at City, University of London are celebrating after their union helped secure four additional days leave over the Christmas period for them.

Before the deal staff working for outsourcing firm Julius Rutherfoord had no choice but to take unpaid or annual leave when the university closed over Christmas and New Year.  

Employees were left out of pocket and working more days than staff directly employed by the university, who automatically receive extra leave to cover the Christmas break.

In an open letter to the university’s president, UNISON highlighted the injustice and urged managers to treat outsourced staff as they do other employees.

UNISON branch secretary Daniel Shannon-Hughes said: “The four extra days of holiday will make a big difference to the staff and their families.

“This is just the beginning. More needs to be done to improve the situation for outsourced workers so they get the same pay, holiday and pension rights as directly employed staff.

“Ultimately only by bringing staff back in house can City end these injustices.”