Social care staff strike over pay

Hundreds of social care staff are set to walk out in a row over plans to cut their pay. Members of Unison at Quarriers, one of Scotland’s largest social care charities, are to hold a 24-hour strike over a package of cuts.

More than 560 staff would have their pay cut by 10% while others would lose up to 23% under the plans.

There are also proposals to cut sick pay, increase pension contributions and see other protections removed.

In April, Quarriers started consultation with workers to discuss proposed changes to their employment conditions.

They said they wanted to protect “current service provision and ensure long-term future growth”.

The organisation, which has 100 projects in the UK helping to support and care for adults with a disability and people with epilepsy, has said the proposed changes are in direct response to the “unprecedented economic challenges” it faces.

But last month a ballot of Unison members resulted in a 76% vote for strike action, with 85% in favour of action short of a strike.

Members will picket workplaces across Scotland and hold a rally at George Square in Glasgow.

Unison regional organiser Simon Macfarlane said: “No one wants to be taking strike action but Quarriers have left us with no option.”