Cheshire care staff fear for jobs

STAFF at two mid Cheshire autism care centres do not know if they will have jobs to go back to in the New Year.

The company that runs Lambs Grange, in Cuddington, and Bank Hall, in Winsford, is suffering financial difficulties.

Staff contacted the Guardian to say they were only paid their November wage on Thursday – two weeks late.

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s social services department visited Bank Hall, a service for adults, for three days last week.

Ian Callister, a spokesman for CWAC, said: “We were aware of some financial difficulties and we have been and will continue to monitor the situation as the authority responsible for adult care in the area.

“We were there simply and solely for the benefit of clients to ensure they are getting the service they require.

“At the moment we are happy that the clients are being well supported by the staff.”

One member of staff, who did not wish to be named, described feelings among staff as they waited to see if they would be paid for November.

She said: “Despite morale being on the floor we’ve been doing our best to keep everything away from the lads and carry on as normal.

“Emotions have been running up and down and it’s reduced some of us to tears.

“Everyone was getting angry.

“But you enjoy your job – we love our lads that we look after, there’s a bond.

“We’re there more than we’re at home.

“If we didn’t go into work we would lose the boys altogether and that’s not what we want.

“But if the staff aren’t getting paid, the boys are at risk.”

She added: “We need reassurance this is not going to happen again.”

Lambs Grange, in Forest Road, and Bank Hall, in Swanlow Lane, are part of Lambs Group, along with residential and day education and therapy centre Lambs House, in Congleton.

Companies House lists Lambs House Ltd, which covers Bank Hall and Lambs House, as in administration.

Another company, called Lambs Group Ltd, which has the same registered company number as Lambs Grange, is listed as active.

Lambs Support Services, which is the company referred to on staff payslips, is also listed as active with Companies House.