Staff at Solace Women’s Aid in Barnet represented by the union United Voices of the World (UVW) have opened a strike ballot claiming they are subject to “unmanageable workloads and broken promises”.

The Barnet Solace Advocacy and Support Service (SASS) workers claim conditions working for the charity are “inhumane” and “exploitative” with “dangerously high caseloads and frontline staff denied a voice in decisions affecting their wellbeing”.

They also claim the charity has “reneged on a previous agreement to recognise” the union. This was made during a dispute in Tower Hamlets earlier this year, they claim. The union says that workers in Tower Hamlets in the capital are “poised” to strike with their own ballot for action still live.

The union says the disputes in both areas makes “this a growing, multi-site dispute” and that strike ballots are “a highly unusual occurrence” in the violence against women and girls’ sector”.

The union is calling for a reduction and cap on caseloads, as staff are currently managing more than 20 “complex and distressing cases at any given time”. It is also calling for formal union recognition.

One charity worker in Barnet said: “Many of us are expected to meet unrealistic service standards and work under intense pressure, which is taking a toll on our wellbeing.

“Staff often feel unsupported, and there are serious concerns about the lack of a psychologically informed management approach. In our view, management has not adequately addressed these issues or acknowledged the time-consuming nature of our additional duties.

“We are calling for a healthier work environment—for ourselves and for the survivors we support—and a real say at work through our union, UVW.”

UVW assistant general secretary Isabel Cortés added: “Solace’s refusal to follow through on a previously agreed voluntary recognition request has shocked and disheartened the workers that everyday advocate for women’s voices.

“Despite every opportunity to engage meaningfully, they have chosen to deny their workforce a voice at work. Our members are left with no alternative but to take industrial action.

“It is concerning that many workers feel unable to speak openly which raises important questions about the environment they are working in.”

Caseloads ‘in line’ with national standards

Solace chief executive Nahar Choudhury said: “Ensuring that survivors receive the highest quality of support and protecting staff wellbeing is our top priority. 

“Solace and the local authorities that fund our services adhere to safe caseload levels, in line with national standards set by Safe Lives. 

“We recognise that supporting survivors is demanding work and therefore provide a comprehensive wellbeing offer to support colleagues, alongside a regular review of caseloads for each staff member and service.”

She added that it is continuing to “reach out” to those working in Barnet “both individually and as a team, to better understand the issues raised on the ballot and remain open to discussions We believe getting around the table will create the best resolution for staff and survivors”.

Specifically on the claim made by the union on recognition she said that “we made no promises nor guarantees” adding that it had been looking at a voluntary recognition agreement with UVW “but, after careful consideration, we’ve concluded that entering into an agreement would not be in the best interests of Solace colleagues at this time”.

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