Striking care workers will vote against a pay increase

Care UK workers offered a 2% pay rise after 90 days of striking are not celebrating, says Unison rep

care uk strikers
Care UK strikers on the picket line. Photo: Doncaster Unison

Care workers on one of the longest strikes in social care history will vote against accepting an  offer of a 2% pay increase, a Unison representative told Community Care.

The Care UK employees have held 90 days of strike action in protest against the pay cuts forced on them  when they were transferred from the old Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust.

Care UK reached an in-principle agreement of a 2% pay rise with Unison representatives for  the Doncaster learning disability service.

Employees transferred over from the old NHS trust will also receive a £500 settlement payment.

Striking worker and Unison representative Roger Hutt said he had lost around 35% of his wage.

“Why would anyone with any sense who’s been losing that amount be happy with 2% and a little £500 sweetener for Christmas?” said Hutt.

“It’s been reported that we’re celebrating but I can assure you, nobody here feels like celebrating.”

Care UK said: “This agreement will put the service on a sustainable footing within the reduced budget available. It is good news for the people we support every day.”

The offer will go to ballot for all Care UK workers.

In a pre-ballot poll, Care UK strikers said they would vote to reject the offer, but Hutt predicted that because of the greater number of employees not involved in the strike, the offer is likely to pass.

“This offer is a disappointment after we’ve come so far,” Hutt said.

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