ISLE of Wight Council has reached an impasse with the Unison trade union representing adult social workers over its controversial work rota proposal — but has moved to reassure Islanders their care will not be affected by possible strike action.

Moves to impose a new compulsory rota for adult social care staff to work to, rather than a voluntary one, has caused anger among the 90 affected.

It is a proposal which may lead to strike action say Unison, which has described the council's stance as 'combative'.

Read more: Isle of Wight social workers may strike over rota proposal

Unison say the form of industrial action known as ‘action short of strike action’ — overwhelmingly agreed to by staff — will continue for an indefinite period.

But the council say since August last year, it has been in consultation with staff and Unison on the change in standby arrangements for ‘out of hours’ social work and, to try to identify a resolution.

"Regrettably, our attempts to resolve the issues have been unsuccessful," said Laura Gaudion, the council’s director of adult social care and housing.

"Standby arrangements are essential to ensure we support and keep safe vulnerable Island residents outside of our core business hours — and respond to their emergency situation."

Unison South East representative, James Smith, said care staff are "a justifiably, deeply aggrieved and determined group of workers" and that council management had been "resolute in forcing through their proposal." 

Ms Gaudion moved to reassure Islanders their care arrangements "will not be affected by any strike action" and that, with the support of "some incredibly dedicated members of staff", it has put emergency cover in place.

The social work team ceased undertaking unsocial hours and standby shifts as of midnight on Monday — the point in time the council replaced the previous voluntary rota with a mandatory rota.

She continued: “Social work is not, nor has it ever been, a Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 role. People cannot plan for social care emergencies and crisis.

"The majority of crisis situations develop outside of core business hours.

“Standby arrangements are essential to ensure we safeguard and support Islanders. Some of our staff will continue to support standby service provision, in spite of industrial action.

"I'm humbled by their dedication and by their compassion for residents — going above and beyond to ensure the vulnerable can access support in a crisis.

“It is important we try to work together to find a resolution and I remain committed to ongoing engagement with Unison and staff directly.”