Monday 15 April 2024
For immediate release
Barnet mental health social workers begin a further ten days of action, says UNISON
Mental health social workers employed by Barnet Council have started a ten-day strike today (Monday) in an escalation of their ongoing pay row, says UNISON.
The union is calling for a recruitment and retention payment* to help the local authority hold onto experienced staff and attract new recruits.
Currently, only social workers in family services receive the financial supplement. This means newly qualified social workers in family services can earn more than those in mental health, says UNISON.
Experienced staff are leaving as a result, which has left some people who rely on mental health support waiting up to 15 months to be seen, the union adds.
UNISON London regional organiser Steve Terry said: “Social workers do not want to strike. They’re passionate about their jobs, and would rather be supporting those that need help the most.
“Talks have been held at conciliation service ACAS and the hope is that an agreement can be reached before this vital service is disrupted further.”
UNISON Barnet branch secretary John Burgess said: “Social workers are determined to be paid fairly for the difficult jobs they do.
“They’ve already taken several weeks of industrial action and will carry on until Barnet Council listens and works with the union to find a way forward.”
Notes to editors:
–*A recruitment and retention payment is additional money on top of a salary, which is designed to keep or attract staff.
– Social workers will be striking Monday 15 April to Friday 26 April. There will be a picket line outside Barnet Council, 2 Bristol Avenue, London NW9 4EW from 8am to 10am on strike days.
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contact:
Rosie Sammut M: 07958 063188 E: r.sammut@unison.co.uk