The council says care workers' pay will be tackled soon

The authority had come under fire from unions claiming plans to privatise basic home care were a way of avoiding compensation and increased wage costs.

Council leader David Parker said pay agreements would be reached before any services were contracted out.

He said the council would "absolutely" be making an offer to the staff affected in the very near future.

Last month it emerged that SBC was looking to put some basic home care services into the private sector.

That prompted claims the council was trying to avoid legal obligations to fund compensation claims and increased wages for female staff.

Review stage

Now the council leader has pledged to make employees an offer as soon as possible.

The authority has also promised to protect staff's pay and conditions even if their jobs are then transferred to a private company.

The plans are currently only at review stage but SBC has insisted they will not mean any reduction in the quality of care received.