KEETCH MEETS CARE WORKERS OVER JOB FEARS

5.11.05pm GMT Mon 22nd Mar 2004

Hereford's Liberal Democrat MP Paul Keetch has met two sets of care workers, one from Hereford and the other from Ross, who are concerned about the security of their jobs after proposed reorganisation by Herefordshire Council. In all about 50 care workers attended the two meetings, and Paul Keetch has had an urgent meeting with the Council's Director of Social Services, Sue Fiennes.

"There are clearly some major concerns being expressed to me by the individual care workers", said Mr Keetch.

"Reorganisation of the department has been discussed for some years and now that change looks imminent the people at the sharp end are worried. Although they do not in principle oppose change, they want to feel they are being consulted fully about where their jobs may go".

The Council are proposing to second workers to a private care provider. Staff would remain employees of the Council and would keep their terms of employment, but they feel they have not been consulted as to how this would affect their clients.

"I have met with the Director of Social Services and she informed me that the views of staff would be listened to", said Mr Keetch.

"Staff have not had the opportunity to put collectively their concerns to senior management and I will be asking the Director if she would meet with me and them to hear their concerns. I am sure she will agree to this.

"This seems a classic case where what the Council might be suggesting may be all well and good, but the staff don't think their views are being listened to. I hope we can bring both sides together particularly for the good of the clients who rely on the service provided - these after all are the people that will feel the affects long term."