Social workers in Southampton are staging the biggest walk-out yet over pay cuts.

The dispute has been rumbling on for three months since staff were forced to sign new contracts with revised terms and conditions and reduced pay. Social workers earning £22,000 to £35,000 have had their pay cut by 4.5%, rising to 5% for those earning between £35,000 and £65,000.

Until now the walk-outs have been staggered but today sees staff across the council leaving their posts simultaneously.

The argument has gone on so long because many view Southampton, rightly, as a barometer for the rest of the country. Community Care has reported on other councils following a similar route and there are others, which are encountering less resistance.

If social workers in Southampton are successful it will give much greater impetus for unions to oppose cuts elsewhere.

Read the complete post at http://www.communitycare.co.uk/blogs/social-work-blog/2011/10/southampton-social-workers-in.html