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Social workers in Northern Ireland are stepping up their industrial action this week in a bid to secure a pay rise, writes Clare Jerrom.

Industrial action is to be escalated by members of the Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance, who are now refusing to take on new client referrals as part of their continuing battle.

Brian Campfield, deputy general secretary of NIPSA, said: “NIPSA is saddened that a dedicated group of workers, whose actions are usually associated with campaigning for resources to protect vulnerable groups in society, have been forced into this action to secure equal pay for work of equal value from employers".

The pay claim was first lodged by NIPSA in February 2002, and the union has outlined a resolution to the dispute including an interim increase coupled with a job evaluation scheme to secure parity within an agreed framework.

Strike action was averted in May when management agreed to formulate a new offer to the union, which represents 1,800 social workers. However, new negotiations have failed to resolve the dispute.

The unions claims ministers are interfering to block a resolution, and while social workers are reluctant to take further industrial action they feel they have no choice.