50 Social Work Managers Strike Threat Over Special Payments

Services for the mentally ill in Inverness face disruption as 50 social work managers consider industrial action over their claim for special allowance payments.

It is understood the mental health officers, who can detain vulnerable individuals under powers designated by the Scottish Executive, have been balloted over whether to take strike action against Highland Council.

The dispute centres around the managers’ claim that they should be given a responsibility allowance that more junior officers in the council are entitled to. Such officers are required to be present if the local authority decides to section, or forcibly detain, an individual for hospital treatment.

Meanwhile, on-going industrial action over transport provision at two Inverness day centres has been suspended after council officials agreed to enter negotiations with trade union representatives on the issue.