By Carmelo Garcia – Local Democracy Reporter
Gloucestershire reablement care workers have voted to strike over plans to move them to privately-owned companies.
The staff, who help residents leave hospital and live at home, are to begin strike action next week over plans to transfer the Gloucestershire County Council service to an external provider.
Liberal Democrat council chiefs announced the plan last month, which they claim will strengthen support for people in its communities.
And they have appointed locally based specialist community reablement care providers Retain Healthcare, Mega Resources Nursing and Care and La Vie En Rose.
However, trade union UNISON says employees fear the transfer could leave them worse off, increase the risk of experienced staff leaving the service and affect continuity of care for vulnerable residents. And as a result, the reablement workers have voted overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action.
Opposition councillors have also expressed concerns and agreed to hold a special scrutiny meeting to re-examine the plans.
The union has repeatedly urged the council to halt the transfer plans and enter meaningful discussions with the workforce. But despite employees raising concerns throughout the process, the proposals have continued.
Tim Roberts, UNISON South West regional secretary, said: “Reablement workers are proud of the service they provide and the difference they make to people’s lives every day.
“They’ve made it clear they don’t believe these proposals are in the best interests of staff or the residents they support.
“Their ballot result is a strong indication of the depth of feeling among the workforce.
“The council still has time to reconsider its plans and avoid disruption by listening to employees and working with UNISON to find a way forward.”
The council and Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust say they have robust contingency plans in place and they do not expect people receiving support to experience any disruption to their care.
They said that although the notification period for industrial action runs from August 17 to 31, this is not a continuous two-week strike.
The union may call strike action on specific days or shifts within this period, the council said.
“We respect the right of staff to take industrial action,” Gloucestershire County Council and Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust said in a joint statement.
“Our shared priority is to ensure that people receiving reablement support continue to receive safe, effective care. We have robust contingency plans in place and are working closely together to minimise any disruption to residents and their families.
“Reablement plays a vital role in helping people regain confidence, rebuild everyday skills and continue living safely and independently at home.
“The council and its partners are committed to delivering a new community reablement service that will help more Gloucestershire residents benefit from this support, while ensuring the service remains sustainable for the future.
“We recognise and value the dedication, expertise and professionalism of reablement staff and remain committed to continuing constructive engagement with staff and trade union representatives throughout this process.
“Through our shared commitment and partnership working, we will continue to focus on delivering the best possible outcomes for the people of Gloucestershire.”
The new community reablement service will continue to be led by Gloucestershire County Council and delivered in partnership with specialist community reablement providers with effect from September 2026, they said.
The council says it will help more residents to receive timely support within their communities to regain confidence, rebuild daily living skills and remain independent for longer.
And it will support people to stay safely at home, recover after illness or a hospital stay, and reduce the need for ongoing care and avoidable admissions to hospital or residential care.