Protesters Demand Fair Maternity Pay for Lambeth Leisure Staff

Parents and trade union members gathered outside Lambeth Town Hall in Brixton on November 24, 2023, to demand improved maternity pay conditions for employees at the borough’s leisure centres. The protest highlighted accusations against the Labour-run council for allegedly using “fake casual” contracts to sidestep obligations for Occupational Maternity Pay.

According to representatives from Lambeth Unison, staff who transitioned from contractor GLL to the council have been kept on contracts that classify them as “workers” rather than “employees.” This distinction, they argue, denies these staff members essential employment rights, including the right to maternity benefits.

The council responded by stating that prior to the restructuring, the staffing framework included both permanent and casual roles, which they claim is standard in the leisure sector. As part of the transition to the new council-run service, dubbed Active Lambeth, officials mentioned that a restructuring plan is underway. This plan aims to create more permanent positions, providing all leisure staff with opportunities to move onto council terms and conditions. Some casual roles will remain to accommodate individuals seeking flexible work arrangements.

One protester, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed disappointment upon learning that she would only qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay despite working full-time at the leisure centre since 2017. Her situation resonated with many parents present, highlighting broader issues related to job security and parental rights.

Ruth Cashman, a representative from Lambeth Unison, voiced her concerns, stating, “Lambeth Council is keeping council employees in our leisure centres on insecure contracts to avoid paying for basic workplace rights. No one should be forced to live in poverty just because they have children.”

Local parent Bethany Bannachie shared her shock at the situation, saying, “I honestly couldn’t believe it when I read about this because I use the leisure centre and go swimming with my daughter every week. It felt very close to home to think that the services that we are benefiting from are not treating parents well.”

Another mother, Kelly Rogers, stressed the importance of maternal support, saying, “The first weeks and months of motherhood are crucial. I can’t imagine worrying about putting food on the table during that time, which happens to so many people in Brixton and across the country.”

Paul Valentine, a Green councillor for Herne Hill and Loughborough Junction Ward, attended the protest to show solidarity. He remarked, “It’s just discriminatory, that’s what it is. We win these battles by all coming together, and although it might not directly affect me, I want to be here to show support.”

As the protest concluded, participants reiterated their call for the council to provide fair maternity pay and improve working conditions for all staff at leisure centres. The sentiment was clear: the welfare of parents and employees should not be compromised in the pursuit of cost-saving measures.