Care workers in Gloucestershire who support patients regaining independence after hospital stays are contemplating strike action in response to plans transferring their roles to a private provider. These reablement workers fear the move could negatively impact their pay, conditions, and overall morale.
Gloucestershire County Council has assured that those transferred will retain their jobs with the same contractual terms, emphasizing that the new community reablement service aims to support more residents—beyond just hospital discharges. However, workers argue that the transfer risks driving staff turnover and diminishing the quality of care for vulnerable individuals.
A strike ballot is currently underway, closing on Tuesday, July 28. This unrest follows the recent closure of the reablement facility at Great Western Court in Gloucester, deemed surplus to requirements.
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UNISON has criticized the lack of workforce consultation and highlighted the deep worry among employees about the future of this essential service. Tim Roberts, UNISON’s South West regional secretary, said, “Reablement workers dedicate themselves to helping people live safely at home. Staff pride themselves on their work but feel their concerns are being dismissed. They fear the impact on colleagues, the consistency of care, and most importantly, the vulnerable people relying on the service. Councillors must heed the workforce’s voice or face strike action.”
Political voices reflect varied concerns: Greens support reviewing the outsourcing proposal; Conservative and Independent councillors have demanded an extraordinary council meeting to keep services in-house. The council has committed to a special scrutiny meeting to revisit the plans after input from staff, unions, and councillors.
Councillor Craig Horrocks stressed the importance of considering workers’ wellbeing when commissioning services. Councillor Richard Dean expressed empathy for staff who feel neglected after years of dedicated service, advocating for transparency in decision-making. Conservative leader Stephen Davies voiced worries about job security and employment terms under private management, while Independent councillor Alastair Chambers warned against a quiet shift toward care privatisation.
Liberal Democrat cabinet member Kate Usmar defended the new service, highlighting its goal to provide quicker, high-quality care closer to home and maintain sustainability and public value. She acknowledged strong opinions about reablement’s future and pledged ongoing engagement with staff and unions to shape the best outcomes for residents.