Hundreds of vulnerable people in Rhondda Cynon Taf could soon see the quality of care they receive compromised as the local authority considers privatising services, says UNISON today (Friday).
UNISON Cymru/Wales, which represents thousands of care workers across the country, is calling for the Welsh government to step in and prevent this.
Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council’s cabinet is to meet to decide the future of care for local residents on Monday (23 October).
UNISON understands the council is looking at either privatising care or relying on charities to deliver homecare for the elderly and supported living services for people with learning disabilities.
Families of people relying on care in Rhondda Cynon Taf have already contacted UNISON to express their concerns about the future of the service, says the union.
UNISON Cymru/Wales head of social care Mark Turner said: “There should be no place for private profit in care.
“Charities or private providers will compete to cut costs and win contracts. This inevitably means corners being cut and poorer quality care for the people who need it most
“UNISON is calling on the Welsh government to intervene as soon as possible.
“Providing quality care services to the most vulnerable should be delivered by the directly–employed staff of an accountable local authority, not a private company solely concerned about making profits.“
UNISON Cwm Taf local government branch secretary Peter Crews, who is a former care manager in Rhondda, said: “Hundreds of vulnerable people rely on care services in this area. The standard of care would be severely affected if it was run by a private company.
“Most of the people who carry out these vital services are low paid women who put their heart and soul into their jobs.
“They should not have to cover the cost of the council’s money–saving schemes.”
Notes to editors:
–UNISON is campaigning for a national care service for Wales delivered mainly in-house by councils.
–The future of care services in Rhondda Cynon Taf will be decided at cabinet meeting of the council on Monday at 10.30am.
