WORKERS in Weymouth are ‘in limbo’ as they wait for new Prime Minister Theresa May’s government to make a decision on whether to privatise the Land Registry.

The service employs 200 people in Weymouth – and 6,000 nationwide – and there is a ‘real risk’ to jobs if there is a sell-off, according to Andy Woodgate, chairman of the local branch of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS).

At a parliamentary debate, South Dorset MP Richard Drax spoke out against the plans.

Mr Woodgate said he does not expect any further news about the decision until the autumn. He had understood the delay in a decision was due to the Conservative party leadership battle after David Cameron stepping down following the EU referendum result.

Theresa May has now been made Prime Minister after opponent Angela Leadsom stood down – but Mr Woodgate believes the decision about the Land Registry will not take place before the government’s summer recess.

“In theory the reason for the wait is gone but I’m sure [the Land Registry] is not the top of the political agenda for Theresa May. I think we are still expecting a decision after the summer recess, so we are left hanging.”

A consultation ended in May and Mr Woodgate told the Dorset Echo there had been widespread opposition to the plans to privatise.

A government statement said a sell-off would help reduce the deficit, as well as enable the Land Registry to become more efficient and effective.

MPs across political parties spoke out against the proposals at a parliamentary debate.

Mr Woodgate said: “Richard Drax met with us at an event I organised for PCS members who are also his constituents. Following that he was minded to speak at a debate, which was great.

“Since then, with everything else going on politically, there has been no movement. 
Officially the line is that they are considering the responses to the consultation.”

The Land Registry in Weymouth is based on the Granby Industrial Estate.

With many Conservative backbenchers speaking out against the proposals, Mr Woodgate said it could mean a move to privatise the service may be defeated if it is put to a vote in the House of Commons.

“From the PCS union point of view we are very pleased with the MPs debate. But we are certainly not counting any chickens until a decision not to proceed with it once and for all has been made. Until then we are in limbo.”