Care services to stay uninterrupted amid looming industrial action, says Council
Gloucestershire councils and partners pledge continuity despite reports of an upcoming strike
Gloucestershire County Council is telling residents receiving reablement support can rest assured that their care services will not be disrupted, even if there is industrial action in the near future.
The authority, along with its partners, has put contingency arrangements in place to ensure continuous service delivery.
Gloucestershire County Council, Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust, Retain Healthcare, Mega Resources Nursing & Care, and La Vie En Rose are cooperating to guarantee uninterrupted care for residents, families, and carers across the region.
In a joint statement, the partnership said that while no formal notification of a strike has been received from Unison, they respect workers’ rights to take industrial action.
Their priority is to ensure that people receiving reablement support continue to receive safe and effective care.
Robust contingency plans have been prepared to minimise any disruption.
The partners committed to delivering a new Community Reablement Service aimed at expanding support to more Gloucestershire residents, ensuring the service’s sustainability.
The new service will be overseen by Gloucestershire County Council and operated in collaboration with specialist providers.
Operational support will be offered throughout a service window from 7 am to 10 pm, promoting a responsive service for people in need.
The service aims to support residents to regain confidence and daily living skills, enabling them to remain independent and avoid hospital or residential care admissions.
Employees transitioning to new community reablement providers will retain their contractual terms under TUPE regulations.
Additionally, they will continue to access the Local Government Pension Scheme through agreed pension pass-through arrangements.
Trade union consultation and ongoing staff engagement are actively proceeding.
The council’s cabinet approved the service's decision in July 2025, with regular engagement with colleagues following.
Gloucestershire County Council is set to commission the service from new specialist community reablement providers starting from 1st September 2026.
'Staff fear concerns are being ignored'
UNISON South West regional secretary Tim Roberts said: “Reablement workers spend their lives helping people live safely in their own homes.
“Staff are proud of the service they provide, but fear their concerns are being ignored.
“They’re worried about the impact these proposals could have on colleagues, the continuity of care and, most importantly, vulnerable people who rely on the service.
“Councillors should listen to the workforce, put residents first and halt the proposed transfer. If they don’t, they run the risk of strike action.”
Their full joint statement
A joint spokesperson for the partners said: “Whilst we have not yet received formal notification or details of a strike from Unison, we respect the right of staff to take industrial action.
“Our shared priority is to ensure that people receiving reablement support continue to receive safe, effective care. We have robust contingency plans in place and are working closely together to minimise any disruption to residents and their families.
“Reablement plays a vital role in helping people regain confidence, rebuild everyday skills and continue living safely and independently at home. The council and its partners are committed to delivering a new Community Reablement Service that will help more Gloucestershire residents benefit from this support, while ensuring the service remains sustainable for the future.
“We recognise and value the dedication, expertise and professionalism of reablement staff and remain committed to continuing constructive engagement with staff and trade union representatives throughout this process. Through our shared commitment and partnership working, we will continue to focus on delivering the best possible outcomes for the people of Gloucestershire."