Staff in social care teams across Lancashire have walked out today in their second bout of strike action over pay this year.
Unison said up to 200 social care support officers employed by the county council were taking part in five days of industrial action following strikes at the end of July.
The union claimed shortages of social workers meant support staff were left to carry out ‘far more complex’ tasks than they were before.
It argued they were not paid correctly for this work and should be put on the next pay grade to receive £4,200 more a year.
Unison North West regional organiser James Rupa accused the council of ‘taking advantage’ of the expertise and good nature of support staff, ‘effectively obtaining social work services on the cheap’.
A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said the authority had started an appeals process for regrading applications, but claimed the union and a support staff committee had pulled out.
He added: ‘The county council is committed to the appeals process and are continuing to work with our staff and the trade union to reach a positive resolution to the ongoing dispute.’
