Benetas, a non-for-profit organisation, recently informed employees at their Kangaroo Flat and Eaglehawk centres they would be out of a job by the end of July. 

One worker, who wished to remain anonymous, said the decision was a “kick in the teeth”. 

“We all thought we would have a job until retirement but now we’re out of a job,” the worker said.

“We heard whispers in November about changes but were under the impression they would happen in 2018 and not be as drastic as this.”

A number of employees had worked for Benetas for more than 15 years, according to the worker, who suggested one staff member would be eight weeks short of getting long-service leave once their contract expired, on July 23.   

It is believed Benetas will outsource its catering to a Upper Ferntree Gully-based company and its cleaning to a NSW-based company, which has a presence in Melbourne.

Another employee told the Bendigo Advertiser the changes had been “kept very hush hush” buy Benetas.

“I don’t think its been handled the right way and it’s very hard on the residents as well because we’re the only people they’ve know so it puts them under a lot of stress as well,” the worker said. 

“It (employment uncertainty) makes it a bit harder but we still go to work with our smile on our face because its not the residents’ fault the predicament we are in.

“It leaves me without a permanent job, I’ve got three kids who are still in school.

“We’re not sure if they (Benetas) are going to bring the (end) date forward.”

Benetas’ residential services general manager, Paula Trood, said the decision to outsource the cleaning and catering was to improve the quality of service. 

“This process is just commencing in Bendigo. So while we know which staff will be affected we have yet to consult with them about what their choices may be.  However, Benetas will offer redeployment where possible,” she said. 

“Benetas believes these changes will improve the quality of meals and the living environment as well as allow greater choice for our residents.”

It is believed the cleaning and catering organisations may recruit locally.