Social workers in Bath and North East Somerset are preparing to strike for three consecutive days next week in response to ongoing pay disputes.
Team managers and deputy team managers within the council’s children’s services department will take industrial action from May 20 to May 22. Their protest centers on changes to pay gradings that have placed them on the same level as some of the staff they manage, a move they argue undermines their roles and responsibilities.
These workers, represented by the trade union Unison, previously participated in a one-day strike in March as part of their campaign for fair pay.
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Tim Roberts, Unison South West regional secretary, expressed the union’s stance: “This strike action highlights the deep frustration among staff over the council’s failure to address pay and grading issues. Children’s social care managers undertake highly skilled and demanding work supporting vulnerable children and families and deserve fair compensation. The council must now present a clear and credible offer that addresses these concerns and helps avoid further disruption.”
A spokesperson for Bath and North East Somerset Council acknowledged the planned strike, stating: “Following the day of industrial action on March 19, team managers and deputy team managers have informed us through Unison of their intention to strike again on May 20, 21, and 22 over pay and grading matters. We remain committed to constructive dialogue with staff and Unison. Throughout this period, we will ensure the continuity of services for children, young people, and families in Bath and North East Somerset.”
The strike action came after a ballot held by Unison in January and February, in which 100% of participating staff voted in favor of strike action, with a 94% turnout. Though initially planning an 11-day strike, the action was suspended following a council pay offer. Despite this, relations between the council and its children’s social care workers remain strained.
Compounding the pay dispute are plans for a controversial departmental restructure, which could result in five redundancies and require many social workers to change roles. This has sparked large protests organized by Unison outside council meetings, even disrupting sessions held at Bath’s Guildhall.
The dispute has seen limited engagement through the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas), with reports indicating no meetings have taken place since February.