TWO years on from setting up as a not for profit community interest company staff at Warrington’s LiveWire leisure centres and libraries are facing changes in their terms and conditions to ensure the future success and vitality of the organisation.
Proposed changes include removal of enhanced rates of pay for evening and weekends and public holidays, removal of premium overtime rates and reduced mileage rates.
A 90 day consultation period started earlier this month with the 500 plus contracted employees to review their terms and conditions.
MD Jan Souness (pictured right) says the changes are required to ensure LiveWire achieves financial surpluses in order to offer a wider range of services, grow as a company in response to new customer demands, and reduce the costs to the council for their services.
But she is open to ideas from staff during the consultation period on other ways to save money and increase income.
Managers from all areas of the business have already worked with staff to look at opportunities to raise income, attract external funding and develop new LiveWire services.
The company has had a very successful two years since being established, achieving a 26% growth in memberships. This has allowed the company to continue to deliver a high level of service throughout the town and to ensure continued reinvestment back into facilities to enhance the customer experience, such as the planned £4million redevelopment of Great Sankey Leisure Centre in the near future, which will further contribute to maximising income for the business.
Jan praised Warrington Borough Council for its support from the outset, especially in the face of cuts to public sector funding. 
Now after two years operating as a new business which has its HQ at the flagship Orford Park Jubilee Hub, which was officially opened by the queen, she says it is important that LiveWire makes a performance payment back to the council.
Jan said: “We are working with staff throughout the consultation period and will consider their alternative ideas and solutions. We hope any proposed changes will provide a sound footing for the company, placing us in a better position to grow and move forward facing any future financial challenges with confidence.”
Consultation is also underway to introduce a new career progression scheme to determine pay based on new employee skills, levels of responsibility and job complexity rather than pay being based around shift patterns.
Whilst LiveWire recognises the proposed changes will impact on all employees, it is hoped they will ensure the future financial viability of the company, provide better job security and new career opportunities for staff.
Research at other leisure facilities across the North West shows that LiveWire staff will still be amongst the best paid.
Top picture shows members of the LiveWire team at their opening two years ago and the Queen during her visit to officially open the flagship Orford Park facility.
