Isle of Man care home closure plan prompts union protest

Plans to close a residential care home for the elderly on the Isle of Man have prompted a union protest.

Unite members affected by the closure at Glenside care home are to protest outside the House of Keys on 6 March.

The social care department has announced plans to close the facility by 2014, affecting about 59 elderly residents and 64 members of staff.

A spokesman said the decision to close Glenside had been taken to help deliver the standard of care people want.

However, regional industrial organiser for Unite, Steve Salter said the decision was "purely" about saving money.

'Not about closure'

"Whatever is put in place by the government will lead to diminishing standards in elderly care," he said.

"In the long term we think it will also lead to a number of individuals having to give up their jobs to look after vulnerable members of the family."

The social care spokesman said the decision was "not about closure".

"It is about moving forward with services that are fit for the future and delivering the care that people and their families want," he said.

Over the next two years, Glenside staff and residents will be consulted about future job prospects and care options, said the department.

The facility is one of four government-run residential homes on the island.