More than 1,200 social care workers across England and Scotland are set to vote on potential strike action in an escalating dispute over pay, trade union Unite has announced.
The ballot will involve employees working at almost 150 sites operated by Change Grow Live (CGL), a government-funded charity that provides support services for people dealing with drug and alcohol addiction, homelessness, mental health challenges, unemployment and involvement with the justice system.
According to Unite, staff have experienced real-term pay cuts ranging between 15% and 24% over the past decade, leaving many struggling with rising living costs. The union claims that 46% of workers have been forced to take on a second job, while 42% have considered using food banks to make ends meet.
Frustration among employees reportedly intensified after senior executives received significantly higher pay increases than frontline staff. Unite said CGL’s chief executive and chief financial officer received pay rises worth £55,000 and £21,000 respectively, while nurses, counsellors, psychologists and recovery workers were awarded a 1.5% increase, below the rate of inflation.
Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham criticised the disparity in pay awards, saying: “It is an absolute disgrace that while management are being rewarded with high pay rises, specialist staff on the front line are struggling to afford the essentials.”
She added: “Fair pay for staff at CGL is essential to protecting both workers and the communities they serve.”
The ballot marks the latest sign of growing unrest within the social care sector, where unions have repeatedly warned that low pay, staff shortages and rising workloads are placing increasing pressure on frontline services.