Seven more days of strike action planned by South West mental health charity workers
More than 100 workers will strike over pay dispute says UNISON
Last updated 23rd Jan 2026
Staff at a South West mental health charity are to take a further seven days of strike action as part of an ongoing dispute over pay.
The announcement by UNISON today (January 22) came on the fourth day of strike action by Second Step staff at workplaces across Bristol, Somerset, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Bath, Swindon and Wiltshire.
Over 100 employees, including support workers, recovery specialists, and central staff, will walk out again from Thursday 29th January to Friday 6th February according to the union.
Staff at the charity began walkouts this month after almost four in five employees (78%) backed strikes in a ballot, says the union.
UNISON South West regional secretary Tim Roberts said: “Staff have already taken four days of strike action, but the employer still hasn’t come forward with a fair pay offer or meaningful talks.
“These workers provide vital mental health support in communities across the South West. They should not be worrying about how to pay their bills. Second Step must act urgently to resolve this dispute.”
UNISON Bristol branch secretary Paula Sharley said: “Employers must recognise that unionised workers have a right to negotiate on their pay and conditions. That's an essential part of a healthy industrial relationship.
“Instead of being able to continue their skilled and vital work, staff at Second Step have been forced to announce further strike dates to secure the respect they deserve. The employer must now come to the table with a fair pay offer.”
A spokesperson at mental health charity Second Step said:
"Despite ongoing discussions with UNISON further strike action will take place on seven days starting on Thursday 29 January.
"We have made a clear and constructive offer to establish a union recognition agreement, following the standard process led by Acas.
"As part of our offer, a final agreement on recognition would be subject to a whole- staff ballot.
"This is to ensure all staff have a say in this important decision.
"On pay, we cannot offer any uplift for the financial year 2025/2026 as this would put our service delivery at unacceptable risk and is not sustainable. We have made our tight financial situation clear to UNISON at every stage of our negotiations.
"While we respect the right of union members to take lawful industrial action, our focus remains on maintaining safe, continuous support for the people who rely on our services every day.
"We are working with our teams to put our updated business continuity plans into action. Team managers and senior leaders are supporting colleagues to make sure we minimise disruption.
"We remain committed to ending this dispute and we are working with Acas and Unison to see if we can resolve our differences.
"This is not without its challenges, particularly at this time of year, and we are grateful to our hundreds of colleagues and clients for their understanding and support. "