Children's social care workers could strike over pay

Children's social care workers in parts of Somerset could go on strike after pay changes left morale "shot to bits", according to a union representative.

Team managers and deputy team managers in children's social care at Bath and North East Somerset (Banes) Council were sent ballot papers last week by trade union Unison.

It comes after they were put on the same pay grade as some of the staff they manage. The ballot will close on 4 February.

The council said it was not a straightforward issue, adding: "Changes to pay structures are complex, and there are many factors to consider."

"We worked with unions and staff over a long period of time to look at a wider set of changes to pay and role profiles across the council which were implemented last year," the council said.

"All our staff are valued and we are listening to children's services and have been working hard with Unison and Acas [Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service] to resolve this."

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said it had heard from social workers and team managers who were planning to strike.

Claire Luxton, who has worked for the council for 15 years, said: "In this job we go above and beyond.

"We do it because we love the job and the council isn't supporting us."

Worker David Wells added: "For a workforce that operates almost solely on good will, it has quickly run out."

Banes branch secretary for Unison Toni Mayo said morale was "shot to bits".

"People are leaving in droves and workloads are unsafe," she added.

"It's utter chaos, and members are angry both about what the council are doing and how it's being done."

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