THURROCK Council caretakers are today [Thursday, 9 April] staging a protest over a proposal by the council to downgrade their roles.

The workers, who are represented by GMB Union, are furious about the council's plans to downgrade around 50 caretaker roles by one band, which could result in average salary reductions of around £2,000.

Workers were advised of the changes in February. They were told a consultation exercise would take place and conclude on 16 April.

The caretakers involved clean and maintain properties across the council's housing estate, including removing graffiti, clearing litter, and ensuring fire, health, and safety measures are in place. 

The council is under intense financial pressure after a series of failed solar farm investments, with estimated current debts of £1.4 billion. It is not clear quite where the council's sits, but is likely to be around the billion pound mark when recent sales of assets are incorporated into the final accounts for 2025/26.

A caretaker and GMB member said: "After years of loyal service as a caretaker, supporting residents and keeping estates safe, I'm now being told my role is being downgraded and my wages cut.

"It's not just a financial blow, it's a message that our work doesn't matter.

"Caretakers are being rebranded as 'cleaners' to justify paying us less, even though the responsibilities haven't changed.

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"It's unfair, it's disrespectful, and it shows a total disregard for the people who keep these estates running every day."

Gavin Davies, GMB Senior Organiser, said: "Our caretaker members do a vital job, keeping Thurrock's housing clean and safe for residents.

"The council's plan to downgrade their roles is an attempt to save money at the expense of frontline workers.

"Our members are not responsible for the council's financial mismanagement, and they shouldn't be made to pick up the tab."

Despite several requests by Nub News, the council had declined to comment in any detail on the planned reorganisation.

However, news of the workers' planned protest prompted the following statement: "Thurrock Council is currently consulting on proposed changes to Housing Estates Services.

"Like all councils, Thurrock must constantly look at how it delivers its services to ensure we deliver the best possible outcomes for residents and also deliver value for money for council taxpayers.

 "We have had the same approach to delivering caretaking services on our council estates for some time. We believe that by making some proposed changes we can operate more efficiently and consistently and focus on the improvements residents want to see.

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"We know any change can be difficult for staff, and that is why we are consulting on the plans and listening to the feedback.

"The consultation began on 2 February 2026 and has been extended to 17 April 2026. No final decisions have been made, so it would be wrong to characterise this as final or decided at this stage."