GMB Britain’s General Union, the trade union for care sector workers which represents more than 640,000 members nationally, has today launched a campaign for recognition at Sheffield based care provider Sheffcare who operate 10 care homes across the city.

GMB was de-recognised by Sheffcare at the end of 2013, leaving a substantial number of GMB members without adequate union representation.  GMB believes that anyone working with vulnerable adults should have the protection of a trade union in the event of allegations, assaults and injury at work.

Sue Wood, Senior Organiser with GMB, said: “Our members are unhappy that Sheffcare no longer negotiate with GMB on pay, terms and conditions and that they don’t have adequate union representation.  GMB has contacted the Head of HR and Board members at Sheffcare in an attempt to resolve the dispute, but to date has not had a response.  GMB is in the process of lodging an application on behalf of its members to the Central Arbitration Committee in a bid to reinstate GMB union recognition at Sheffcare.

We are disappointed to be in this position as we have previously had a good and longstanding working relationship with the company.  We would urge the company to meet with us to resolve this situation on behalf of GMB members.”

The GMB is campaigning at both a national and local level to end the funding crisis within the care sector and calls upon the Government and Sheffield City Council to take note and begin to resolve the problem.