UNISON has published a dossier of Birmingham social work cuts

UNISON has published a dossier of social work cuts that they claim will risk the lives of children and vulnerable adults in Birmingham.

The union says huge planned cuts will slash admin support, training and early intervention support work – exacerbating the problems of crippling caseloads and high vacancy rates.

The union, the UK’s largest, is now calling on councils to dip into reserves to avoid cutting any more holes in the “extremely fragile safety net”.

Helga Pile, from UNISON, said: “The message from our members in social work is that it’s a ticking time bomb out there.

“Every day the safeguards and support that social work departments offer are being stretched thinner and thinner.

“The government cannot wash its hands of the near-impossible situation they are leaving councils in.

“But we think local authorities should use the £3,000 million they have set aside in reserves.”