GMB Union accuses council of underhand tactics to reduce staffing levels and force home closures.

GMB, the union for care sector workers, has challenged Kirklees Council to come clean on its plans for dementia services across Kirklees. 

Senior managers at one residential care home, Moorlands Grange, are being accused of deliberately spreading rumours about the threat of care home closures so that staff are forced to seek alternative employment.

In March 2023, staff were notified that Moorlands Grange was at risk of closure due to a shortfall in funding from the NHS.  

Union officials challenged this and were told that it was not true, despite documentation that clearly proved it was the case.  

Moorlands Grange care home provides an essential service to some of the most vulnerable people in Kirklees, but because staff are leaving, the number of beds has had to be reduced to 15.

Older vulnerable people with Dementia are no longer able to access the service.

GMB Organiser, Andrew Aldwinkle, said:  

"The situation at Moorlands Grange has been completely manufactured by Kirklees Council.

"Managers have spread a fear of job cuts and have manipulated the situation so that it appears the service is no longer viable. 

 "Whilst it is clear there was a shortfall of around £300k from the NHS, Kirklees Council have previously bailed out Kirklees Active Leisure to the tune of£14million over the past 4 years.

"If they can do that then they should be saving services like Moorlands Grange for the most vulnerable.

"Care managers and commissioners have behaved in the most underhand way and have put services at risk - they should hang their heads in shame.  

"They have shown a complete disregard for the residents, families and workers. 

"GMB Union will fight every step of the way to stop this home closure to safeguard jobs and services.”

End

For further comment contact Andrew Aldwinkle on 07710 618908 or Peter Davies on 07501 228313