Staff at South West mental health charity to take strike action next week
UNISON say staff at Second Step sites across the South West will take part in a four day walk out starting on Tuesday (January 13)
Last updated 9th Jan 2026
Staff working for a South West mental health charity are to take strike action next week in a dispute over pay.
UNISON said today (January 8) that more than 100 workers at Second Step sites across Bristol, Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Bath, Swindon and Wiltshire will walk out on the 13th, 14th, 21th and 22nd of January in a dispute over pay.
Its after almost four in five employees who took part in a ballot backed strike action.
Second Step delivers local authority and NHS-funded mental health services across the South West.
The Union said employees have seen the value of their wages fall each year because the charity has failed to award increases in line with inflation, meaning staff are unable to keep up with the cost of living.
It added that the situation has been made worse "by the charity's refusal to negotiate pay with the union."
New UNISON South West regional secretary Tim Roberts said: “Workers want to focus on supporting people experiencing mental health difficulties, not worrying about how they will pay their bills.
“Staff are suffering financial hardship because their pay has failed to keep pace with rising costs. Second Step still has time to resolve this dispute by coming forward with a fair offer and recognising the union.”
Second Step recovery worker Dan King said: “Second Step’s response to this dispute is out of touch with the reality facing low-paid workers. Rents, energy bills and grocery costs continue to rise.
“Staff shouldn’t need to resort to strike action to make management listen. The charity must drop its delaying tactics and bring a serious offer to the table.”
A Second Step spokesperson said:
"Following detailed and ongoing discussions with UNISON representatives, we can confirm today (January 9 2026) that strike action involving up to 112 Second Step employees will take place for four days on 13, 14, 21 and 22 January 2026.
"While we respect the right of union members to take lawful industrial action and remain committed to constructive conversations with UNISON, our main priority remains maintaining safe, continuous support for the people who rely on our services every day.
"This is why we are implementing our business continuity plans to minimise disruption.
"Team managers will support colleagues who are working to ensure continued service.
"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.
"If people have questions or concerns, they can contact us on 0117 909 6630 or email [email protected]."