Healthcare workers in Swindon set to strike

Healthcare workers employed by HCRG Care Services in Swindon, Bath, and Chippenham will walk out for 24 hours on Wednesday 21 October.

The UNISON union says the dispute centres on staffing levels, excessive workloads and the company’s refusal to recognise the union.

Staff providing community healthcare services say severe staffing shortages and growing workloads are putting patients at risk and leaving employees struggling to cope.

The union says overstretched staff are struggling to provide the support patients need, while high levels of workplace stress and sickness absence are placing further pressure on services.

UNISON says changes to the way patients access community healthcare have added to the problems.

HCRG, the union says, has replaced separate telephone numbers for different services with a single line, leaving staff struggling to manage demand.

Workers want HCRG to address unsafe staffing levels, reduce excessive workloads and formally recognise UNISON so they can raise concerns and negotiate improvements.

UNISON South West regional secretary Tim Roberts said: “These are dedicated healthcare workers who want to provide safe, high-quality care, but they're being pushed beyond their limits.

“Staff are deeply worried about vulnerable patients being left without the support they need. Impossible workloads and staffing shortages are putting enormous pressure on services.

“HCRG must address these concerns and recognise UNISON, so staff have a proper voice in improving services. Strike action is never a decision healthcare workers take lightly, but they feel they've been left with no other option.”