Strike action at the Sirona-run residential homes and Extra Care facilities in Bath & North East Somerset has been cancelled pending a potential discussion about the dispute at a future B&NES Council Health and Wellbeing Select Committee meeting, expected at the end of September.

The Trade Union, UNISON, has been in dispute with Sirona around moving staff working at the homes in Bath, Keynsham and Midsomer Norton from paid to unpaid breaks when they work more than six hours, which Sirona argues is consistent with other providers in the sector, and with other staff within Sirona. A request was made by a councillor at the full Council meeting last Thursday for the issue to be taken for further scrutiny.

There were a planned series of 25 consecutive walk-outs in an escalation of the action which began in June; including a series of middle-of-the-night strikes taking place between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m., as well as 24-hour and twelve-hour disruption. Janet Rowse, Sirona’s Chief Executive, said: “We were pleased that following the Council meeting, Unison offered to cancel all industrial action until the scrutiny process reports and as a result, we have also agreed to pause the implementation of the change to unpaid breaks while this takes place.

“However, we have also been clear that should the proposed Council’s scrutiny process not resolve the matter, than we would need to re-instigate the implementation of the change and will discuss this with UNISON. We are keen to bring this difficult situation to a close, and are pleased that conversations continue between ourselves and staff representatives.”

UNISON South West Regional Organiser, John Drake, said: “Coming to this agreement after the Council’s decision makes sense.

“Care workers can now focus on delivering compassionate care for some of the most vulnerable members of society.

“This decision doesn’t mean the issue is resolved, but it is an opportunity to reflect on the issue and seek alternative solutions.”