Care workers in Gloucestershire who provide vital reablement services have voted to strike in response to the county council’s plans to transfer their roles to private providers.
These workers assist residents in transitioning from hospital back to their homes, supporting their independence and daily living. The strike is scheduled to begin next week, as a protest against Gloucestershire County Council’s decision to outsource this service to external organisations.
Last month, the Liberal Democrat-led council announced that the reablement service would be shifted to a partnership with local specialist providers Retain Healthcare, Mega Resources Nursing and Care, and La Vie En Rose. The council stated that this change aims to enhance support for people within the community.
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However, UNISON, the trade union representing these employees, has voiced strong opposition. They report that staff worry the transfer could lead to poorer working conditions, spur experienced workers to leave, and disrupt continuity of care for some of the county’s most vulnerable residents. Reflecting these concerns, the reablement workers have overwhelmingly voted in favour of industrial action.
Opposition councillors have also raised questions about the plans and have agreed to convene a special scrutiny meeting to review the proposals in detail.
UNISON has consistently called on the council to pause the transfer and engage in meaningful dialogue with the workforce. Despite ongoing concerns expressed by employees throughout the consultation process, the council has proceeded with the plans.
Tim Roberts, UNISON South West regional secretary, emphasised the commitment of staff: “Reablement workers are proud of the service they provide and the difference they make to people’s lives every day. They have made it clear they do not believe these proposals are in the best interests of staff or the residents they support. The ballot result indicates the strength of feeling among the workforce. The council still has time to reconsider its plans and avoid disruption by listening to employees and working with UNISON to find a way forward.”
In response, Gloucestershire County Council and Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust assured the public that contingency plans are in place to ensure continuity of care. They stated that while the notice period for industrial action runs from 17 to 31 August, strikes will not be continuous and may occur on selected days or shifts.
A joint statement from the council and NHS Foundation Trust read: “We respect the right of staff to take industrial action. Our shared priority is to ensure that people receiving reablement support continue to receive safe, effective care. We have robust contingency plans in place and are working closely together to minimise any disruption to residents and their families.”
They highlighted the importance of reablement services in helping people regain confidence, rebuild everyday skills, and live safely and independently at home. The council reiterated its commitment to delivering a new community reablement service that will assist more residents while maintaining sustainability.
The statement also acknowledged the dedication and professionalism of reablement staff and confirmed ongoing engagement with staff and trade union representatives throughout the process.
From September 2026, the new community reablement service will continue to be led by Gloucestershire County Council and delivered in partnership with the specialist providers. The council aims to provide timely support that enables residents to remain independent longer, supports recovery from illness or hospital stays, and reduces the need for ongoing care or hospital admissions.