UNION representatives are set to meet with DVLA bosses to discuss proposals that could lead to 300 Welsh jobs being lost.

Earlier this month doctors urged the DVLA to rethink plans to privatise medical advisory posts.

The department employs 20 medical advisors in the city, and a further 300 support staff in Wales, who advise the DVLA on the fitness of drivers to hold licences and other medical considerations.

Now discussions are set to take place to discuss the impact of such a move.

A spokesman for the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) Union in Wales said: “There are a number of issues we will be looking to address with the DVLA including the outsourcing of jobs and the need to keep jobs in Wales as well as the health and safety impact to the public.

“These are issues that we will be investigating in the next couple of weeks.”

The British Medical Association (BMA) has already voiced its concerns about any proposals.

Richard Lewis, Welsh secretary of the BMA said: “The medical advisors play a crucial part in the delivery of Government services.

“The safety of road users should under no circumstances be compromised, and any advice on the issue should remain independent — the Government has a duty to ensure that standards do not become jeopardised because of corporate or private interests.”

He added: “The outsourcing of the medical adviser roles would likely have a direct effect on a further 300 support staff, which would deliver a significant blow to the local economy, at a time of economic instability in Wales.”

South Wales West Assembly Member Peter Black has also voiced concerns. He said: “There is a significant risk to jobs in Wales as a result of this.

He added: “There is, as yet, no clarity whether those who are currently employed will keep their jobs, and, if so, whether they will retain their current pay and conditions.

“Any private company who takes over will want to make a profit, and an easy way is through cutting jobs and pay.”

The DVLA has previously confirmed that plans to revolutionise their medical department are being looked at. However, the department would not comment on the impact to employees.

A spokesman for the PCS Union added: “We are awaiting a meeting with DVLA management in the next fortnight and hope to have more information after that.”

Source [This is South Wales]