ASTONBROOK 15 TAKE TO THE STREETS

27-05-2008

Marchers will take to the streets of Birmingham today in support of 15 workers dismissed from Astonbrook Housing Association. Sacked staff claim they are being victimised because no evidence has been brought forward to support the claims.

Astonbrook, a Somali led organisation which finds homes for asylum seekers, was taken over last July by accountants Baker Tilley following allegations of fraud which are being investigated by West Midlands Police.

No charges have been laid and The Stirrer has discovered that chief executive Mohammed Arwo will have his second interview with officers in July – exactly year to the day after his first one. He denies any wrongdoing.

While the wheels of justice have been moving at a snail’s pace, critics say that Baker Tilley have been driving the company into the ground by taking more than £1 million in management fees.

Baker Tilley emphatically deny that their charges have been excessive (see link here).

In last week’s twist, Mohammed Arwo and 14 other employees were handed their P45’s amid allegations of financial irregularity – although they say they weren’t given any opportunity to defend themselves or answer the allegations.

They believe they have a good case to take to an Industrial Tribunal – but fear that by the time their case is heard, the company will have been liquidated and have no assets.

There’s already evidence that the company is being wound down, with Baker Tilley suggesting that the 120 remaining employees will be offered new jobs with another service provider.

Unison steward Farah Daahir stated that “Bob Bailey a partner from Baker Tilly has said that he will not release details of the investigation which led to the dismissal, because he claims it is confidential”.

Ms Daahir continued: “I am dismayed by the absolute disregard of Astonbrook’s employment procedures by Baker Tilly which hasn’t even allowed an appeal by employees”.

Berrenga Forbes, Astonbrook staff spokesman for dismissed and laid off staff said “Baker Tilly has charged the charity £1million and now they are trying to rob dismissed workers of their rights. It is absolutely disgraceful and they must be exposed.”

Aside from the specifics of the case, there is a clear sense among Birmingham’s Somalian community that they are being victimised – sacked worker Abdi Said told us last week he was being “oppressed” (see link here).

Dismissed staff, service users and supporters will be meeting at noon on Tuesday 27 May at the junction of Coventry Road and Whitmore Road in Small Heath, Birmingham.

They will then proceed to a rally in Small Heath Park to hear from ex-Astonbrook staff and community leaders. All are welcome to attend.

Baker Tilley are refusing to comment on the allegations that sacked staff weren’t properly informed.

Know any more about Astonbrook? Contact editor@thestirrer.com