Councillors at Bath and North East Somerset Council are pressing senior officials for answers as a strike threat grows within the children’s social care department.
Last week, team managers and deputy team managers in children’s social care received ballot papers to vote on potential industrial action. The dispute stems from last year’s “Being Our Best” (BOB) pay review, which placed these managers on the same pay grade as the frontline staff they supervise, leading to widespread frustration.
Toni Mayo, a children’s social worker and UNISON branch secretary, described the situation as “utter chaos” with morale deeply undermined. She added that members are angry both over the council’s decisions and the manner in which they were implemented. The council and union representatives are currently engaging through the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) to try and resolve the dispute.
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At a recent scrutiny committee meeting, Green councillor Joanna Wright expressed concern that councillors had not been fully briefed on ongoing negotiations. She noted that the BOB pay review was intended to enhance conditions across the council but has instead created unrest: “Social work managers are now on the same pay grade as practitioners, which is causing problems. Moreover, it appears social workers in B&NES are paid less than in many other authorities, affecting morale.”
Labour councillor Lesley Mansell inquired about the impact of low morale on frontline services and whether similar issues might arise in adult social care.
Darryl Freeman, the council’s new executive director of people, acknowledged the concerns but refrained from detailed comment. He assured councillors he would communicate their worries to the head of HR and improve how issues around industrial action are relayed to elected officials. He praised the dedication of frontline workers, highlighting their passion and commitment to vulnerable children and families despite current challenges. Freeman conceded that a small group of staff remain unhappy with their terms and morale.
Jean Kelly, Director of Children’s Services, confirmed that most children’s social care staff benefited positively from the BOB pay arrangements but acknowledged a minority of managers and senior practitioners have voiced concerns. “We are actively working with colleagues to find solutions,” she stressed.
Scrutiny panel vice-chair Liz Hardman described the situation as an apparent pay inequality where senior practitioners earn the same as those they supervise. “It’s not black and white, but this looks like a straightforward issue that needs resolution,” she said.
Council officers will provide an update to councillors at the scrutiny committee’s next meeting or sooner. The strike ballot closes on February 4, with results expected promptly thereafter. A UNISON official noted swift return of ballots, possibly revealing results ahead of schedule.
An earlier indicative ballot showed unanimous support for industrial action on full turnout. Supporters, including over 40 UNISON members from across the council, held a “practice picket” outside Keynsham Civic Centre last week.
UNISON branch chair Amy Rushton criticized the council for underpaying children’s social care managers compared to other authorities, and for creating a “bottleneck” where frontline staff are managed by peers on the same pay grade. “The council has got this wrong and refuses to fix it. Prolonged delays will only cost more staff,” she warned.
Acas chief conciliator Joanna Nunn highlighted the positive step of both sides agreeing to conciliation. “Acas offers experienced conciliators and a confidential environment to help parties find mutually acceptable solutions,” she said.