Homelessness staff strike in Glasgow

Staff from Glasgow council’s homeless unit have started an
indefinite strike. The 70 staff have taken with them the keys to
900 furnished council flats, meaning that homeless people will have
to stay in bed and breakfast accommodation.

The action follows a dispute between staff and the council over
plans to reform the service. The council wants to merge single
person and family provision with specialist assessment,
resettlement and furnished accommodation services.

A spokesperson for Unison said: “These changes will dilute
specialist services and overburden staff – precisely at a time when
homelessness in the city is rising rapidly.”