Talks progress on deal for adult social care workers

Brighton & Hove City Council’s lead councillor for adult social care Tristram Burden has welcomed a pledge from the trade union Unison to call off a planned strike this week by adult social care workers.

Negotiations are continuing following an offer from the council aimed at resolving issues raised by Unison around pay and career progression.

Councillor Burden said: “We’re really pleased that Unison has accepted our proposal for resolving the strike, based on further details we shared about the offer the council made in January.

“We believe the agreements reached provide a long term and sustainable offer both to encourage recruitment and retention in adult social work in our city, and as a significant gesture that recognises the extraordinary service our social workers provide.

“We are listening and responding to what our social workers and Unison have been telling us about the challenges they face.

“We’re committed to appropriate remuneration and enhanced grade progression.

“We’re extending their mandate to strike for another three months because we’re confident that negotiations on this proposal will progress positively and at pace.”