A significant industrial action is looming at Bath and North East Somerset Council as hundreds of children’s services staff prepare to strike. This follows an active strike by 28 social workers currently protesting pay grading issues.
The proposed strike stems from a separate dispute over planned restructuring within the council’s children’s services department, which includes the elimination of several teams and the redundancy of five staff members. Among 229 eligible workers, 161 participated in a strike ballot — a 70% turnout — with 90% voting in favor of strike action and 97% supporting alternative forms of industrial action. This resounding mandate empowers the trade union Unison to consider widespread strike action pending how the council addresses these concerns.
Flo Bunn, a family group conference coordinator, voiced solidarity with her colleagues, stating, “I am so proud of my colleagues for sending such a clear message that we will not tolerate being treated with such disregard and ultimately a restructure proposal that does not work for the children and families in B&NES.”
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The council’s restructuring aims to streamline services in line with government “families first” reforms by creating new multi-disciplinary family help teams intended to reduce family turnover in social workers. However, staff warn the changes could severely limit their capacity to provide essential social services, including early intervention and foster parent support. One key source of worry is the proposed elimination of the Connecting Families team, which provides intensive early help to families with complex needs, potentially preventing them from entering the formal social care system.
Dave Wells, a team manager, criticized the plans, saying: “I am astounded that senior managers and service designers in B&NES have attempted to subject staff and community to such thoughtless and uncaring plans for their services. But the ballot outcome shows how committed we are to delivering the best for people.”
The council insists the consultation process is ongoing and welcomes feedback on the proposals. A spokesperson commented: “We are listening closely to the range of feedback received so far.”
This ballot coincides with a separate but related dispute involving team managers and deputy team managers striking over pay grade disagreements. They have already conducted a one-day strike in March and will strike again from May 20 to 22. These disputes collectively highlight a serious strain in industrial relations within the council’s children’s services.