UNISON Rotherham Local Government

Members will be aware that UNISON has been campaigning for months against the Council’s decision to privatise 65% of the Home Care service.  You may recall that we were accused of spreading fear and speculation.  Well, now members can judge for themselves whether those who criticised us were correct.

The Home Care service that you provide is officially an excellent service. We're sure you've always known that but the Commission for Social Care Inspection agrees and has awarded the service three stars.  This makes the council decision all the more puzzling as nonre of the private care providers can match you for quality of service.  In fact one of them has only managed a 1 star (adequate) rating.

You may be asking why Rotherham Council   is reducing the number of service users that will receive your excellent service.  Well, a clue can be found in the report that went to the Cabinet member on 19 May.  It says, “The prices negotiated with providers in Rotherham are amongst some of the lowest nationally”.  Now, we all know that cheapest is rarely best and it is bitterly disappointing that the Council appears content to sacrifice quality in exchange for a cut-price service. 

Consultation—What consultation?

UNISON has reported the Council to the District Auditor over its failure to consult with us as is required under Best Value legislation.  We expect their decision in about 2 weeks time.  We will update you when the outcome is known. 

Time for Action

The Council is currently in the process of meeting with home carers with a view to changing your contracts of employment.  We are informed that in some cases members who have worked full-time hours for years have been offered only half as many hours under the Shifting the Balance proposals.  This is so that your hours can be handed to the private sector.  UNISON believes that TUPE Regulations apply and that where hours are being transferred , so should staff.  We have told the Council that we will lodge a claim with the employment tribunal over its failure to inform or consult with us.UNISON also believes that where the Council is proposing to cut an individual’s hours significantly, this amounts to a dismissal.  We have also told the Council that we will lodge unfair dismissal claims on behalf of UNISON members.  In order for us to do this it is essential that you let us know if your hours are cut.

Please contact the branch office if you have not recieved the form below or need additional copies to recruit non-memnbers to Unison.  Please return it to the branch office address (shown) as soon as your hours are reduced so that we can lodge a claim on your behalf if necessary.