Union calls for comprehensive public inquiry The TGWU says that, on behalf of its union members and service users, they "demand a comprehensive and public inquiry" on all matters which have been highlighted in the Press about the Social Services Agency. Such matters, they say, have caused concern to all interested parties.
There have recently been allegations aired publicly about the care practices in the Social Services Agency.
The union adds: These are having a detrimental effect on the morale of the staff, service users and their families. In order to disperse any doubts about the practices in the Social Services Agency: The TGWU/ACTS on behalf of its Union members and service users demand a comprehensive and public enquiry on all matters surrounding the items which have been highlighted in the press, and which have caused concern to all interested parties.
'QUALITY MEASURE' "At the same time, "as we are seeking an independent body to carry out this investigation, we also urge that this body should monitor the workings of the Social Services Agency in the short, medium and long term, in order to protect the interest of staff, service user and families. This is a quality measure geared towards transparency and continuous improvements in the service."
The TGWU/ACTS says it has been incessantly demanding adequate training and a development programme for its staff, to enable a quality service to its users.
Unfortunately, this has not happened consistently, and the situation, since 1998 when Milbury was contracted to run the services, has remained static unsatisfactory, and inadequate, as regards the changing training needs of staff which has not been addressed by the government.
They add: This is exemplified by the fact that almost a year has elapsed since lengthy negotiations between Social Services Agency and the Union reached an agreement where amongst other things the training needs of the staff team would be addressed. Specifically moving and handling and training to NVQ level has still not been made available.
"With regards the latter, this is resulting in division between NVQ level qualified staff and staff who have been there for years, due to the disparity in remuneration. Nevertheless, these staff who do not qualify for the enhanced rate of pay acquired when possessing the NVQ level qualification have been expected and sought to mentor both the new contracted staff which includes NVQ level qualified staff as well as staff from other departments as recently happened with a shortfall in skills at other Government Departments who effectively get paid a higher rate of pay for working with the same individuals," says the union.
'OFFICE HOURS' And add: Finally, a professional 24 hour 7 days a week and 365 days a year service cannot be effectively run by management on office hours as inherent problems arise in this set up and ultimately add further stress and responsibility on staff.
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