Lincolnshire health visitors start month-long strike over contract dispute
Health visitors have launched a month-long strike in a long-running dispute over contracts.
Members of the Unite union in Lincolnshire are to stay on strike until December 13 in protest at being transferred from the NHS to the county council.
Unite said some of the health visitors could lose an estimated £150,000 over the duration of their careers because pay rates are lower outside the NHS.
Talks are due to be held on Tuesday under the conciliation service Acas to try to resolve the row.
The health visitors have previously taken 32 days of strike action since July.
Unite regional officer Steve Syson said: “The situation is serious as the council is haemorrhaging health visitors who are leaving for better paid positions elsewhere.
“We have been amazed and heartened by the support for the health visitors, not just from the Lincolnshire public, but across the country.
“The strong financial support our members have received to support them through the strike shows that people recognise their fight is part of a broader campaign for a fully resourced health visiting service across England.”
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