Members of the union Unison working at Southwest based charity Second Step have voted to take industrial action in their dispute over pay.

Just under four in five workers who took part in the ballot voted to strike at the charity.

This could see more than 100 staff members involved in industrial action, says the union, including support, accommodation and recovery specialist workers in Bristol, Somerset, Bath, North Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire.

However, the mental health organisation says that of the 113 union members employed, not all voted and 56 backed strike action.

Unison says workers at Second Step have seen the value of their wages fall each year as the charity “has failed to award increases in line with inflation, so staff aren’t keeping up with the cost of living”. Some are relying on food banks, it added.

It also claims the charity has failed to recognise the union in negotiations around pay, terms and conditions, however, both Unison and Second Steps representatives are taking part in talks through arbitration service Acas to avoid strike action.

“These workers would prefer to focus on supporting their clients,” said Unison South West regional secretary Kerry Baigent.

“Instead, many are struggling to support themselves. Some of them are relying on foodbanks and payday loans to get by.”

She added: “It’s disappointing that seven months since this dispute began, Second Step management has failed to improve its offer in any way.

“The charity should embrace Acas talks as an opportunity to end this dispute and avoid the disruption of a strike entirely.”

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.

“It’s time for managers to drop the delaying tactics and bring an offer to the table.”

'Work towards fair resolution'

Second Step delivers council and NHS funded mental health services in the region.

“Our priority is to maintain safe, continuous support for the people who rely on our services, and we have plans in place to manage any potential disruption,” said a spokesperson for Second Step.

“We recognise the concerns staff have raised, and we’re in active discussions with UNISON through Acas to work toward a fair and constructive resolution. Our focus is on reaching an outcome that supports our clients and our staff.”

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