Tomorrow (March 19), 28 social care managers and deputy managers from Bath and North East Somerset Council will stage a one-day strike, reigniting industrial action previously suspended. The group plans to picket outside Keynsham Civic Centre from 7am and later protest outside the council’s full meeting at Bath Guildhall.
The strike centers on a pay regrading dispute. Team managers and deputy managers were placed on the same pay grade as some of the staff they oversee, a move they say undermines their roles and progression. A Unison spokesperson explained, “This dispute is about much more than pay alone. It touches on career progression, a safe and functional team structure, and retaining skilled, experienced staff.”
Unison criticized the council’s offer of a one-off recognition payment, stating it was rejected unanimously by the affected managers. The union also contends that the council’s approach did not comply with the established HAY job evaluation framework.
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The pay dispute is separate from the ongoing consultation on restructuring children’s social care, which has already caused unrest among social workers. Bath and North East Somerset Council expressed disappointment at the strike decision and emphasized its commitment to resolving the issue through dialogue. A spokesperson said, “We value our children’s team managers and deputy managers and have engaged in extensive talks including at ACAS to avoid industrial action. We remain open to negotiation.”
The council highlighted that the strike involves only a specific group’s pay concerns and is independent of the wider children’s services restructure. This consultation, involving 350 staff, aims to improve service delivery but has put five jobs at risk. The 45-day consultation is designed to gather staff feedback and guide reform decisions to benefit children and young people in the region.
Unison acknowledged that a single day’s strike won’t immediately secure permanent grade changes but emphasized the symbolic importance of the action. “We will continue to stand united, demanding fairness, integrity, and respect in the workplace,” they said.
The day will culminate with a protest outside Bath Guildhall starting at 5.30pm, before the council’s full meeting at 6.30pm.