Sheffield Futures staffing crisis
by Rob Smith & Lisa Swift

Sheffield Futures, who have a three year contract with Sheffield City Council to provide Youth Services, have run into financial difficulties after just one year. This has led to staffing cuts resulting in the reduction in opening times of some youth centres.

A Burngreave resident informed the Messenger that their job in Upperthorpe became difficult when the centre manager was promoted out, and the evening provision manager left when the job became too much – neither were replaced. This left a minimum number of staff with little support, to rely on volunteers.

“The centre is brand new but we were unable to use the facilities, we didn’t have enough staff to be able to actually use any of the specialist resources.”

Chief Executive of Sheffield Futures, Jim Reid denied that any youth centres would close, but admitted there would be some reductions in staffing.

“We employ more people than are funded by our current contracts and we have to make savings on staffing. We will need to restrict further recruitment, avoiding the use of casual workers, and let people go at the end of fixed-term contracts. We are confident that in this way we can continue to deliver the service required and make the necessary reductions.”

“I feel very strongly that more money needs to be invested in the mainstream Youth Services as well as more targeted work. When we negotiate the new contract for the next three years we will certainly be pressing that case on the Council.”

Local centre All Saints has been lucky as all its staff are permanent. Speaking to Rob Smith, the centre’s manager Courtney Sterling told the Messenger:

“As a newly-formed company, I am interested to see how the Futures organisation develops and caters for children and youth services. They both need time to settle and have an effect. I have been a youth worker for many years. I believe Sheffield Futures, through the Connexions workers, are trying to develop positive relationships with young people on a one-to-one basis.”

Asked if he was aware that around the city many casual and those on short-term contracts have recently been laid off work, he said:

“Well I guess that’s no different than any other company or business. When there’s a need for a budgeting strategy. Most staff should already be on permanent contracts, and in principal casual staff should be required, mainly during the busy Summer Programme, or a need for casual workers who specialize in different youth activities on request and short-term contracts.”