At least five care workers at Southampton Council have lost their jobs after refusing to sign new contracts which included cuts in enhancements for unsocial hours.
The contracts, covering care home and domiciliary care staff, came into force yesterday, four days after 240 Unison and TGWU members took strike action for the second time over the issue.
Remaining care workers will meet on 27 February to decide whether to take further industrial action.
Unison is also planning to make employment tribunal applications on behalf of all affected staff on the grounds of sex discrimination. This is because social care is a female-dominated sector and staff in male-dominated occupations are continuing to receive enhancements for unsocial hours.
The council said the cuts were necessary to keep services competitive.
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