Birmingham City Council cuts care workers’ hours at the expense of local people

More than 250 care workers are taking strike action in response to the City Council’s plans to dramatically cut their working hours

UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis has today (Tuesday) joined striking care workers on the picket line in Birmingham.

More than 250 care workers are taking strike action in response to the City Council’s plans to dramatically cut their working hours, resulting in a significant loss of income, says UNISON.

UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “I’m proud to join our care workers this morning in Birmingham.

“No-one goes on strike lightly, especially care workers who know the benefit they bring, every hour of every day, to those they care for.

“But the Council’s decision to slash care staff hours is cutting costs with little regard for the impact this will have on the many elderly and vulnerable adults across the city who rely upon them.

“It’s also a damning indictment of the government’s lack of funding for social care when hard-working care staff are being pushed out of a job, and the most vulnerable in our society are left struggling.”

Notes to editors:
– The Birmingham care workers are due to take strike action from 7am to 10pm, on Tuesday 31 July and Wednesday 1 August; Thursday 9, Friday 10 and Saturday 11 August; Sunday 19, Monday 20, Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 August; Tuesday 28, Wednesday 29, Thursday 30, Friday 31 August and Saturday 1 September.

Media contacts:
Clare Santry (National) T: 0207 121 5546 M: 07944 191479 E: c.santry@unison.co.uk
Becci Dalton (West Midlands) M: 07956 852145 E: r.dalton@unison.co.uk