GMB to support campaign against deportation

GMB support campaign to stop deportation of partner of GMB member with four children

GMB is to support the campaign to stop the deportation of the partner of GMB member who is employed by Islington Council but is based in the call centre in Ashton-under-Lyne.

GMB member Gabrielle Joyce, and her partner Loyd Leefland reside in Audenshaw Great Manchester and have four children together below the age of 10.

Mr Leefland from Suriname has been living in the UK for over 15 years from 2002 with his partner and four children.

Since 2014 they have been in a battle with the home office to grant Mr Leefland his leave to remain in the UK. Mr Leefland has never claimed from the state and wants nothing more than to lead a private family life.

Loyd had been detained by the Home Office until yesterday afternoon. Loyd was released on temporary admission and has to report tomorrow at Dalas Court Salford. Though he has been released there are fears that he could be detained again on Friday if they so choose.

GMB is supporting the campaign for him to be released from detention permanently.

GMB have already been in contact with Andrew Gwynne MP and he has acted straightaway.

Richard Watts, leader of Islington Council, has also agreed to assist as Mr Leefland's partner is an employee of Islington LBC.

GMB as part of the campaign will circulate an online petition via this link goo.gl/2Smx4w and is calling upon Andrew Gwynne and Richard Watts for their support.

Helen Purcell, GMB Regional Organiser said:

"I was shocked when this was brought to my attention. Mr Leefland has been treated appallingly by the Home Office.

His partner is going through hell and his children want their father to come home for good. GMB will do everything we can to influence his release; we have already been in contact with Andrew Gwynne MP and he has acted straightaway.

Richard Watts, leader of Islington Council, has also agreed to assist as Mr Leefland's partner is an employee of Islington LBC."

Gabrielle Joyce, GMB member said:

“When I began as an apprentice in housing, I met Loyd in 2006 when he worked as a garden maintenance contractor for Homes for Islington.

My fiancé came here when he was 24 and he is now 39, and has been living in the UK for 15 years.

He is not an absconder he is a father to four children under the age of ten.

There are many alternatives to detention. The aim is to place pressure on the home office to release him from detention while we resolve his right to remain in the UK.

They have the option to release on temporary admission with reporting conditions. I have no alternative child care arrangement for the children until the term starts in September.

Everybody has a right to liberty. There are alternatives to detention which could still ensure that people stay in touch with the authorities without subjecting them to the indignity and deprivation of liberty which are inevitable result of immigration detention.”

Ed Siddall, GMB Shop Steward said:

"Islington Apex branch has put its full support behind Gabi and her Family, the way the home office have took a father away from his children and caused so much upset for the family is not right and is against the Human Rights act and is wrong on every level.

Please sign the petition and write to your local MP and the home office to show your support for the Leafland family.”

ENDS

Contact: Helen Purcell on 07813 542046 or Ed Siddall on 020 7527 2000 or Gabrielle Joyce on 07465 844698