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Islington Tribune - by ROISIN GADELRAB
Published: 13 March 2009

Council staff stage their front-door protest

‘Walk-in’ as council staff defy front-door ban

COUNCIL staff have staged a “walk-in” protest over a ban preventing them using the front door of their Islington offices.
The Tribune reported in January how a directive forcing staff to enter via the back door to 222 Upper Street had raised concerns about safety.
The change means the 1,085 staff who work at the building have to walk through a narrow car park where cars must reverse over the pedestrian strip to get out and where lorries regularly make deliveries and pick up skips.
Now, the row has escalated, and in a mass show of defiance on Wednesday more than 40 staff broke the rules and entered the building via the front door.
The Town Hall claims the change in policy – part of a £300,000 redesign of the building’s reception – will reduce congestion. But unions fear someone will be killed unless a proper path to the back door is built, or a more suitable entrance is found.
Islington Unison trade union branch secretary Jane Doolan said: “It’s dangerous. We’re worried somebody will be seriously hurt or killed.
“We’ve lodged a formal dispute with the council because they made the changes without any consultation with unions or staff.
“We want them to make a proper side entrance in Laycock Street. Until then, we want them to let staff go in through the green energy centre.”
Town Hall Lib Dem finance chief Councillor John Gilbert said: “Staff safety is paramount so there’s a clearly marked pedestrian route, a security gate and a vehicle barrier to keep vehicles and pedestrians apart. Nevertheless, we are keen to talk to the unions about how to make it even safer.
“It’s one of our biggest and busiest offices with hundreds of staff coming and going. Moving the staff entrance gives visitors a more pleasant experience because they can relax and have the space and privacy to do their business in quieter surroundings.”

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