A row over outsourcing has broken out in Bromley following the collapse of construction giant Carillion.

Trade union Unite has questioned Bromley Council after strike action was threatened by workers at two of its contractors.

Potential action at Greenwich Leisure Ltd (GLL), which employs 36 workers at 14 libraries, and Certitude Support, which employs 20 care workers, could impact services in the borough.

Onay Kasab, Unite regional officer, said: "Tory-controlled Bromley Council has been a major cheerleader for the privatisation of public services, but GLL and Certitude Support have woefully failed to live up to the public service ideal, hence the two strike ballots.

“The GLL ballot is about staffing, pay and time off for union duties. Staff are at breaking point, with workers being shipped in from neighbouring boroughs to help cover the gaps. This is the only thing that has stopped Bromley’s libraries from closing because of inadequate staffing.

“GLL has stated that posts will be cut within its central support/HR function. We have asked for numbers of those earmarked for redundancy, which it has not yet provided. Clearly, this is phase one with more to follow – which we are in no doubt will include libraries.

“Certitude has refused to recognise the union or to discuss pay. In addition, staff have persistently raised maintenance issues with serious health and safety implications,

“These include a roof that constantly leaks, no ramps from fire exits, vital in a centre for disabled people, a permanent drainage problem in the toilets leading to the most unpleasant, constant stench, and 20-year-old carpets with urine and faeces stains.

“These companies are two stark examples which strongly reinforce the case that the public sector is best placed to deliver public services – and such services should be taken back in-house, not just in London, but across the country.”

In response, the leader of Bromley Council, Councillor Colin Smith, said Unite was trying to "exploit more widespread concerns" following the downfall of Carillion.

He told News Shopper: “I understand that Mr Kasab still feels that his union were, and to quote him verbatim “done in by the Labour Councillors on Greenwich Council over Greenwich Leisure Ltd, but the simple fact of the matter remains that to date, GLL have provided a good service to Councils of both political leanings and that the transfer of Bromley’s library service to their management has thus far passed off well.

“It should also perhaps be mentioned, that it has only been by Bromley Council adopting the innovative approach we have which has enabled us to adjust to significant reductions in grant from Government, whilst at the same time securing and enhancing library provision across our borough at a time when other councils have reverted to closing their own.

“With reference to the Astley (day centre) service, since it transferred, LBB has worked closely with Certitude to maintain and indeed improve the environment at the centre.

"LBB remain responsible for maintenance of the building and we will continue to work with Certitude to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for people, their families and staff.

“It really is unfortunate Unite, once again, are trying to exploit more widespread concerns around the collapse of Carillion, into what appears to be a politically motivated local strike which risks disruption to cherished services.

"As such, I would urge the relevant workforces to very carefully consider the facts behind and reasoning for the timing of the strike call and not to allow themselves to be used for such crude political purposes.”