Walsall care providers threaten to strike over pay row
Furious care providers are threatening to strike over a controversial move to per-minute billing in Walsall which is claimed could "bankrupt" some companies.
There has been growing anger over the change in the care sector and providers say Walsall Council's refusal to back down could leave them with no choice but to strike before Christmas.
A public statement from the council responding to its critics this week insisting the change to pay by the minute was in "the best interests of residents" went down like a lead balloon with providers who say it will leave some struggling to survive.
The manager of one provider said it demonstrated the "stubborness" of the council on the issue and that strike action was now being considered. The council is set to hold a crunch meeting with providers next week.
The pay change, which has also been criticised by national body the UK Homecare Association, has proved the final straw for some care companies already upset about Walsall's rate of pay, which at £14.33 per hour is thought to be the lowest in the West Midlands. The authority has also triggered a contract extension with providers, which ties them in for another year.
The manager said: "We are topping all the wages up leaving us with a big deficit for winter.
"I do think we've got to a point where before Christmas we are striking and leaving people without care. Other providers are talking to me about it.
"I do this job because I love providing care. If a company doesn't exist there is going to be no care. I think next month companies will be going bankrupt. Companies are already struggling with the low rates."
Walsall Council has insisted it isn't fair for people to pay for care they don't receive and that its "primary concern" is residents who use adult social care services.
