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• 2011 archived press releases
• Remploy workers to lobby board in Leicester to save jobs for disabled people
• Statement on Unite AR21 for 2010
• Unite seeks Cadbury jobs pledge as Kraft splits in two
• Moving health visitors to local councils is ‘misguided’, says Unite
• Strike looms as workers bid to stop Cameron council wiping out top class kids support
• Mass lobby against privatisation of elderly care by Lib Dem council
• Protecting employees’ pay and employment conditions will be top priority in BAA airport sell-off, says Unite
• Unite’s ‘Big Society’ road show ends in trip to Downing Street
• Support the march and rally to save Bombardier
• ‘Wapping’ – 25th anniversary exhibition at the TUC – opens on 25 July, 2011

Mass lobby against privatisation of elderly care by Lib Dem council

19 July 2011

There will be a mass lobby of Bristol City Council's Health & Social Care Scrutiny Committee from 13:00, Tuesday 19 July, on College Green, outside Council House.

Unite, Britain's biggest union, has expressed outrage that every homecare assistant looking after the elderly in their homes currently employed directly by Bristol City Council will lose their job as the work is contracted out to cheaper private sector providers. 

Unite, other unions, community groups and concerned service users intend to make their feelings known to the Liberal Democrat administration today, having organised a mass lobby of the scrutiny committee.

The Unite national officer, Peter Allenson will be attending to address the mass rally. 

Unite national officer, Peter Allenson said: "The Liberal Democrats' behaviour is totally reckless. At a time of increasing concern over the ability of the private sector to provide quality care and manage finances, Bristol's Liberal Democrat Council is seeking to close in-house Homecare Services, without consulting service users, staff or the people of Bristol."

Homecare assistants were personally assured in meetings last October, by the Executive Member for Care Services, Cllr John Rogers that the council would not cease to provide vital Homecare Services and all jobs were safe. 

Shortly before the local elections held in May of this year Council Leader Barbara Janke gave that same assurance, little more than eight weeks later, the Liberal Democrats have gone back on their word and on 27 June revealed that the homecare service is to close. 

Unite regional officer, Steve Preddy said: "Homecare workers and their service users face a future of instability, and uncertainty. The Liberal Democrats are turning Bristol into the ‘City that does not Care’. Unite is bringing together local people, service users, homecare assistants and politicians together to oppose these plans."

ENDS

Contact Ciaran Naidoo on 07768 931 315 or Steve Preddy on 07764467443