Downing Street condemns armed forces sacking email
Downing Street condemns as “unacceptable” the way that 38 serving soldiers – including one on the frontline in Afghanistan – were told they would be losing their jobs via email.
Due to an apparent error, 38 soldiers were given news that their contracts would be terminated by email rather than in person.
Each is reported to have received an impersonal message advising them to “start planning your resettlement” as the contracts are due to be ended in 12 months.
Downing Street said it was “an unacceptable way of dealing with our Armed Forces“.
“The Prime Minister is very, very clear that the way this has been handled is completely unacceptable,” David Cameron’s spokesman said.
“We are very clear that this was an unacceptable way of dealing with our Armed Forces and the Prime Minister has been very clear that he values their contribution extremely highly.
“It should not have been handled in this way.”
“Sacking anyone by email is always wrong. Sacking your armed forces in this way is utterly unforgivable.” Shadow Defence Secretary Jim Murphy
Answering an emergency Parliamentary Question from Labour on the emails, the Defence Secretary, Dr Liam Fox, said it had been “a completely unacceptable way to treat anyone, not least our armed forces”.
He added: “The correct procedure was not followed; I regret this and want to reiterate the unreserved apology already made by the Army and on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.
“Arrangements have already been put in place to make sure this does not happen again and the Army are already investigating the particular circumstances.”
His Labour opposite number, Jim Murphy, said that the Minister should have volunteered a statement to MPs, rather than being forced to answer a Commons question.
“Sacking anyone by email is always wrong,” he said. “Sacking your armed forces in this way is utterly unforgivable.”
Cutbacks
The soldiers, all warrant officers who have all served for more than 20 years, include a Royal Tank Regiment veteran serving on the front line in Afghanistan.
The groups were told they would be losing their jobs because the Army has to make “significant” cutbacks.
The Sun newspaper quoted one of the soldiers, who completed five operation tours of duty, as saying: “It was out of the blue. We’re disgusted.”
The email is said to have been sent by an Army career manager.
Those who received it are on what the Army calls a Versatile Engagement Long Career – referred to in jargon as a “VEng LC”.
This means that, after completing 22 years’ duty, they have been placed on a rolling contract called the Long Service List or “LSL” to continue their careers.
The message said: “In my capacity as the Career Manager for the Versatile Engagement Long Career (VEng LC) and Long Service List (LSL), I write to notify you that, with regret, I must issue you with 12 months’ Notice of Termination.
“As I’m sure you are aware, the Army has to make significant cutbacks and we as the VEng LC & LSL are expected to play our part in reductions.”
Earlier an Armed Forces spokesman apologised for any distress the email may has caused.
“Commanding officers have now spoken to the soldiers concerned to ensure that they receive all necessary advice and support,” the spokesman said.