Council say they have ‘robust’ contingency plans in place for strike by social care workers

By Alan Jones, Reporter9th August 2024News EnglandAdult Care, Lancashire, Local Authorities, News England, North West, Pay and Conditions, Social Care, Strike, Workforce

A council said it has “robust” contingency plans in place to deal with a strike by adult social care workers.

Members of the Unison union in Lancashire are taking industrial action between Friday and next Tuesday in a dispute over salary grades and working cover.

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council (pictured) said: “We have been informed by the trade union that our adult social care support officers (SCSOs) have balloted and agreed their intention to take discontinuous strike action between Friday and Tuesday.

“This means that while the strike is unlikely to be all five days, strike action can be called on any of the five days.

“Robust contingency arrangements are in place to ensure business continuity and to ensure that Lancashire residents are not adversely affected should strike action occur.

“We had started an appeals process linked to the regrading applications from a group of our social care support officers in which SCSOs and the trade union has been fully involved.

“However, the trade union, alongside the SCSOs’ organising committee, has taken the decision to suspend their involvement with the appeals process.

“The county council is committed to the appeals process and are continuing to work with our staff and the trade union to reach a positive resolution to the ongoing dispute.”