BIG Staff to Protest Planned Layoffs at London Offices
Employees from the London office of the Danish architecture firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) are set to protest against proposed layoffs today. The demonstration takes place outside the firm’s Broadgate location, where up to 72 employees may face redundancy amid a workforce of 160. These layoffs follow the termination of a significant project that once employed many staff members.
Background of Proposed Layoffs
The layoffs were initially announced in November. The managing director of BIG’s London branch, Henriette Helstrup, confirmed a crucial contract fell through. Although specific project details weren’t disclosed, the trade union Unite indicated that the lost contract was linked to a project in Saudi Arabia.
Project Termination Impact
Helstrup stated the project’s cancellation occurred at the end of November 2022. This project accounted for approximately half of the London office’s workforce. Following this news, employees were promptly informed about the project’s status. Helstrup emphasized the company’s commitment to engaging with the affected staff under UK guidelines.
Organized Protest and Union Support
The upcoming protest is organized by BIG employees with backing from Unite and its architectural branch, SAW. The protest aims to push for meaningful discussions with union representatives regarding alternatives to the proposed layoffs. Employees, many of whom relocated with their families for the project, expressed concern over their future.
- Date of Layoff Announcement: November 2022
- Number at Risk of Redundancy: Up to 72 employees
- Total Workforce: 160 employees
Union Officials’ Responses
Sharon Graham, Unite’s general secretary, criticized BIG’s treatment of employees. She described the firm’s actions as “disgusting,” claiming they deceived workers into relocating with false promises of job security. The union has accused BIG of refusing to engage in meaningful consultations about the layoffs.
In response to the situation, Unite proposed a workable solution that included voluntary redundancy with severance pay. However, BIG allegedly retracted the offer for voluntary redundancy entirely.
BIG’s Global Presence
Founded by Bjarke Ingels in 2005, BIG is headquartered in Copenhagen and operates across multiple cities, including New York, Barcelona, and London. This incident is not unique in the architecture industry, as other firms like Snøhetta have also faced scrutiny for dismissing staff, notably those who support union efforts.
As the protest progresses, the situation at BIG encapsulates broader concerns regarding employee rights and corporate responsibilities in the architectural profession.
