SOCIAL services chiefs have admitted the future of hundreds of staff is out of their hands after they move into the private sector.

Blackburn with Darwen councillors have voted through plans to move most of its adult social services team to the independent sector to help cope with the rising number of elderly people.

Unions have voiced concern about the move, claiming standards of care could drop if the care of the elderly and people with learning disabilities falls into private hands.

Responding to concerns about worsening terms and conditions for staff who will be transferred, social services portfolio holder Coun David Foster admitted: "Long term decisions will be out of our hands."

Under the proposals, control of the council's home care service, three of its five residential homes and some services for people with learning disabilities would be put out to tender for private or non-for-profit organisations in the New Year.

Coun Foster insisted no homes would close and no residents would have to move.