Social work grading cuts defended

COUNCIL chiefs have defended plans to stop employing higher-grade specialist children’s social workers.

According to a source, Oldham Council had originally planned to ensure staff from each of the nine grades were retained to maintain a high level of care.

But budget cuts have forced the council’s hand; grade eight staff have been required to take a pay cut said to be around £5,000.

The anonymous source warned this could force the most experienced and knowledgeable staff to find work elsewhere.

She said “I am very worried at the council’s proposals to make cuts. “These workers, outside of the managers, are the most experienced staff in the department. They have specialist knowledge and expertise, and are a source of support for other social workers.”

The source claimed the proposals, set to apply from April 1, are at odds with a recent national review on social work.

The Munro review had a section on “developing social work expertise and supporting effective practice” - which makes a case for improving the skills of social workers.

“The report says care standards shouldn’t be hampered by a structure that doesn’t encourage and reward growing expertise,” said the source. “If this is put in place it will be a backward step.”

Councillor Barbara Brownridge, cabinet member for social care and public health, has defended the plans amidst another round of cuts to the authority’s budget.

“We consulted with staff, unions and our human resources team on how to make savings in children’s services while maintaining a high standard of care,” she said.

“All grade seven and grade eight bands employees perform the same vital roles. No more grade eight staff will be employed but all current employees are protected for two years and no redundancies are being made.”