Hundreds of Sefton care workers could be put at risk of redundancy

MORE than 380 social care workers fear losing their jobs under plans to slash care services in Sefton.

Union bosses said proposals by Sefton Council and New Directions, a limited company, will end day care in the borough, threaten respite services and prevent vulnerable people gain more independence.

UNISON claimed they are preparing for the prospect of the 385-strong New Directions workforce – many of whom previously agreed to take a pay cut to help ease budget pressures – being put at risk of redundancy and the loss of up to 155 jobs.

Sefton branch secretary Glen Williams said: “Our members are low-paid and have already taken a 10% cut in pay, as well as a cut to their holidays, whilst working harder to cover for the many staff that have left – all to protect the company. “

The union has demanded crisis talks with New Directions, the council and staff in a bid to find alternatives.

A spokesman for the company, which did not confirm how many staff could be at risk, said Sefton council’s decision to decommission some services meant the company was facing a loss of £6.2m over the next two years.

He added: “Sefton council is our biggest client and we are left with some very difficult decisions.

“We are in the early stages in terms of making decisions on how to deal with the situation.

“We will ensure ongoing dialogue continues with our staff and with the trade unions.”

A Sefton Council spokesman said it had had to make considerable reductions to its social care spend due to government cuts.

He added: “As Sefton New Directions is one of our main providers, there is an inevitable impact for them given the scale of cutbacks which have had to be made.

“We are fully aware of the difficult position this will leave some of our providers in, and we will always look to innovate in the way that services are delivered to help mitigate for this.”