News

Black and ethnic minority people will be disproportionately affected if Birmingham Council transfers 30 residential homes for older people to the independent sector, according to a study published this week.

The Centre for Public Services examined the social and economic impact of the proposed transfer to a not-for-profit trust. The controversial scheme is the subject to a high court battle over whether the plans violate residents' human rights.

The research was carried out on behalf of Birmingham Unison and campaign group Residents Action Group for the Elderly (Rage), which is mounting the legal challenge. It claims that 280 jobs would be lost, while the remaining 1,120 staff would lose out financially.

But a Birmingham Council spokesperson said it did not expect there to be any job losses as a result of the transfer and said transferred staff would retain existing terms and conditions.

Rage has sent the report to the House of Commons select committee on health.