Dozens of protesters, including new parents, trade unionists, and local councillors, gathered outside Lambeth Town Hall in Brixton on Monday, 24 November, to demand proper maternity pay for staff working in the borough's leisure centres.
What is the 'Fake Casual' Contract Dispute?
Lambeth trade unions have launched a fierce accusation against the Labour-run council, alleging the use of 'fake casual' contracts to avoid paying Occupational Maternity Pay. According to Lambeth Unison, staff who were recently transferred from the contractor GLL have been placed on contracts that classify them as 'workers' rather than 'employees'.
This classification denies them many fundamental employment rights, with the lack of proper maternity pay being a central point of contention. One worker, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed her shock upon learning she would only receive Statutory Maternity Pay despite having worked full-time at a Lambeth leisure centre since 2017.
Voices from the Protest and Community Backlash
The protest highlighted deep-seated community anger. Ruth Cashman from Lambeth Unison stated unequivocally, '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 mothers who use the leisure centres expressed their solidarity and dismay. Bethany Bannachie, a regular user, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service, 'I honestly couldn't believe it... to think that the services that we are benefiting from are not treating parents well.' She contrasted her own NHS maternity package with the situation facing the leisure centre staff, calling the latter 'unthinkable'.
Another local mum, Kelly Rogers, emphasised the cruelty of the situation: 'The first weeks and months of motherhood is crucial, I can't imagine what it's like to be having a baby and be worried about putting food on the table.'
Council Response and Political Support for Workers
In its defence, a spokesperson for Lambeth Council stated that a mix of permanent and casual roles was standard in the leisure industry. They explained that the new council-run service, Active Lambeth, is undergoing a staffing restructure that will create more permanent positions, which all staff can apply for.
However, the council also confirmed it would retain some casual positions for those needing flexible work, such as students. This justification did little to placate protesters or local politicians.
Paul Valentine, the Green councillor for Herne Hill and Loughborough Junction Ward who attended the protest, labelled the council's practice as outright discrimination. 'We might be struggling financially in the council,' he said, 'but there comes a point where you go, 'no, that's workers' rights and that's not acceptable'.'
The protest signals a growing dispute over workers' rights and contractual transparency in the borough, putting significant pressure on the local authority to reconsider its employment practices for leisure centre staff.
