'Ridiculous' pay cut plan for East Lancashire care staff (From Lancashire Telegraph)

'Ridiculous' pay cut plan for East Lancashire care staff

2:00pm Tuesday 23rd October 2012 in News By Lisa Woodhouse, Assistant picture editor

OUTRAGED care workers are to protest against a proposed 30 per cent pay cut.

Union bosses say the possible £5,400 pay cut for those who care for adults with learning difficulties will force staff to look for alternative work or could see them lose their homes.

Staff and clients are expected to protest on the steps of King George’s Hall at 1.30pm today.

Around 90 who work for Thera North, a company that provides support for adults with a learning disability, are understood to be affected.

It is estimated that they earn around £18,000 on average – which could be slashed to just £12,600.

There look after around 20 vulnerable adults in East Lancashire, Unison said.

Tim Ellis, Unison spokesman, said: “The proposals are ridiculous. It’s a huge pay cut and it will have a very severe effect on the service and a very vulnerable client group.

“A lot of experienced staff will leave. They will either face staying in their post and losing their home, or seeking another job.

“A lot will have to seek another job and that will be very disruptive for the clients. It takes years for clients to feel comfortable with a carer.”

“They have given staff no reason why they are looking at such a significant cut.”

Unison said Thera has a £3million operating surplus and directors received a 25 per cent pay increase last year.

A spokesman for Thera North said it had begun a consultation with staff and would not comment on possible percentage cuts for pay. He said: “Thera North conducts a pay review almost every year. We have only just begun an extensive three month conversation with staff and it is far too early to comment at this stage.”

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