Mark Whitehead 07 March 2023

Social care regulator staff vote for strike action

Social care regulator staff vote for strike action image
Image: chrisdorney / Shutterstock.com.

Staff at the Care Quality Commission (CQC) have voted to take strike action over pay, their union has announced.

Unison said more than 700 workers had been balloted including those in the organisation's health and social care teams and call centres, clerical staff and data analysts.

Of those who took part in the vote, 73% opted to strike and 92% for action short of a strike, meaning they would only work to their contracts and refuse to do overtime.

Unison is one of five unions asking their members to vote for industrial action over pay.

Last December CQC staff were given a pay increase of between 2.75% and 3.5% and a one-off payment of either £100 or £150, depending on their grade.

The union says low or no wage increases over many years, due to the Government's public sector pay restraint, have forced increasing numbers of staff to quit the health and social care regulator, leaving the CQC struggling to fill vacancies.

Unison national officer Matthew Egan said: ‘CQC staff have had to put up with their pay rising at a much lower rate than inflation for more than a decade.

‘Had wages kept pace with prices, employees at CQC would be earning around a quarter more than they are currently.’

A CQC spokesperson said: ‘We have received early indication from UNISON that members have voted in favour of strike action and are awaiting further details.

‘We are also aware that a small number of colleagues who are PCS members intend to join strike action planned for later this month.

‘We will remain in close contact with UNISON and other unions as this develops.’

Why age alone shouldn’t define local government leadership image

Why age alone shouldn’t define local government leadership

Age should never define leadership in local government, says Graeme McDonald, Managing Director of Solace. Instead, councils should invest in inclusive, skills-based development for officers and councillors to deliver effective public services.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed the assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First teams, working with our Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091 (Post-Progression)
Are you a nurturing social worker passionate about supporting parents so that children can remain with their birth family?     This could be the right Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administrative Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Administrative Officer to join our busy, friendly team, supporting Children and Young People’s Services. 1 x Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Play Worker

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Lunchtime Play Worker Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata Part Time - 6.25 hour per week, Monday – Friday
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner