Mental health charity staff vote to strike

Staff at Second Step have agreed to walk out in a dispute over pay

Staff at a mental health charity in the West have voted to strike in a dispute over pay.

Second Step delivers council and NHS-funded mental health services across Bristol, Somerset, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Bath, Swindon and Wiltshire.

Unison claims more than 100 people at the charity have voted to strike following concerns over wages.

A spokesperson from Second Step said a plan is in place to avoid potential strike disruption, adding: "Our priority is to maintain safe, continuous support for the people who rely on our services."

Those who have voted to strike include support workers, recovery specialists, accommodation workers and central staff.

Unison South West regional secretary Kerry Baigent said: "These workers would prefer to focus on supporting their clients. Instead, many are struggling to support themselves. Some of them are relying on foodbanks and payday loans to get by.

"It's disappointing that seven months since this dispute began, Second Step management has failed to improve its offer in any way."

Representatives from Unison and Second Step are taking part in talks through arbitration service Acas, in an effort to avoid industrial action, for which a potential date has not yet been announced.

A spokesperson from Second Step said: "Our priority is to maintain safe, continuous support for the people who rely on our services.

"We have plans in place to manage any potential disruption.

"We recognise the concerns staff have raised, and we're in active discussions with Unison through Acas to work towards a fair and constructive resolution.

"Our focus is on reaching an outcome that supports our clients and our staff."