In May 2016 East Devon Watch reported on a 38 Degrees petition which sought to remove the armament manufacturer Babcock from a contract to monitor attendance in Devon schools:
The post has been re-read many times in the last few days and the petition has begun to gain more signatures again, which gives the impression that there is perhaps a new disquiet about the 7 year contract.
The £125 million contract was described thus by the company:
https://www.babcockinternational.com/News/Babcock%20awarded%20Devon%20schools%20contract
The 38 Degrees petition:
made the following claim:
“Babcock International is a weapon manufacturer operating around the globe. They are also contracted by Devon County Council to monitor and produce reports on school attendance.
After ten sessions (five days) of “unauthorised absence” they send this letter threatening a fine of up to £2500 and/or three months in prison.
The letter is sent to hundreds of parents each year, causing disproportionate distress for what, in many cases, is a single case of illness or forgetting to inform the school in time.
Children become worried that their mum or dad might go to prison. Parents worry their children might be taken into care, that they might lose their jobs, businesses, dignity and freedom.
The threat, and potential fine and imprisonment, disproportionately affects single parents and poor people, who are less able to pay a Fixed Penalty Notice within 21 days (after which it doubles).
I have personally supported a single mum who was working full time, raising two children, starting a business and having to comfort her children who thought that Mum was going to prison.
Babcock’s business is in fear, not in children’s education.”
The petition currently stands at nearly 800 signatures.
East Devon Watch 