Last-Ditch Talks To Stop Care Strike

Care workers are expected to walk out on strike today after talks failed to resolve a row over pay. Bolton Council is to hold last-ditch negotiations aimed at averting the action over its plans to stop paying workers sleep-in allowances when they are on holiday or sick.

But Unison, which represents the council workers, insists these changes cannot be made at a local level.

Up to 370 staff who support disabled or mentally ill adults or look after children in care will take part in the 48 hour protest, from noon.

A rally will be held at Friends Meeting House, in Silverwell Street, Bolton from noon until 2.30pm.

Volunteer staff and experienced managers will cover the rota and minimise disruption.

Florence Hill, chairman of the Bolton Unison branch, said last night: “We hoped that we could reach an agreement but this has not happened so members will continue with the strike as planned.”

The council proposed to axe £30 sleep-in payments when people are on holiday or off sick in a bid to save £100,000.

Sleep-ins are occasions when staff stay at residential homes overnight and provide round-the-clock care.

They currently receive the payments when they are on holiday or off sick and the money they receive is based on how many sleep-ins they carry out when they are working.

The council believes the changes can be made locally.

But Ms Hill said: “These terms and conditions are agreed nationally so the council should not be trying make changes.

“The council has asked us to exempt some workers but this would defy the object of the strike. The council has had plenty of notice to make arrangements.”

Cllr Rosa Kay, executive member for adult services and social health, said she hope the strike could be averted this morning.

“Relatives will be worried that their loved ones won’t be cared for but we will make every effort to make sure that does not happen and I’m confident everyone who needs care will get it,” she said.

“It is wrong to use taxpayers money to pay people for work they are not doing when we have to organise cover and end up paying twice.”