Mental Health charity workers are set to take further strike action, after a previous four-day strike proved unsuccessful.
Second Step, a charity which delivers local authority and NHS-funded mental health services, saw more than 100 workers walk out in January in a dispute over pay.
However, UNISON, the biggest trade union in the UK, has said that further action will be taken, as they are yet to receive a "fair pay offer"
A spokesperson for the charity said that they are unable to raise pay due to their "tight financial situation".
UNISON South West regional secretary Tim Roberts said: “Staff have already taken four days of strike action, but the employer still hasn’t come forward with a fair pay offer or meaningful talks.
“These workers provide vital mental health support in communities across the South West. They should not be worrying about how to pay their bills. Second Step must act urgently to resolve this dispute.”
More than 100 workers will walk out on Thursday 29, Friday 30 and Saturday 31 January, and again on Sunday 1, Monday 2, Tuesday 3 and Friday 6 February, at workplaces across Bristol, Somerset, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Bath, Swindon and Wiltshire.
The announcement of fresh strike dates came as staff concluded their fourth day of action on Thursday, January 22.
Despite ongoing discussions with UNISON further strike action will take place on seven days starting on Thursday, January 29.
A spokesman for Second Step said: "We have made a clear and constructive offer to establish a union recognition agreement, following the standard process led by Acas. As part of our offer, a final agreement on recognition would be subject to a whole-staff ballot. This is to ensure all staff have a say in this important decision.
"On pay, we cannot offer any uplift for the financial year 2025/2026 as this would put our service delivery at unacceptable risk and is not sustainable. We have made our tight financial situation clear to UNISON at every stage of our negotiations.
"While we respect the right of union members to take lawful industrial action, our focus remains on maintaining safe, continuous support for the people who rely on our services every day.
"We are working with our teams to put our updated business continuity plans into action. Team managers and senior leaders are supporting colleagues to make sure we minimise disruption.
"We remain committed to ending this dispute, and we are working with Acas and Unison to see if we can resolve our differences.
"This is not without its challenges, particularly at this time of year, and we are grateful to our hundreds of colleagues and clients for their understanding and support.
"If people have questions or concerns, they can contact us on 0117 909 6630 or email reception@second-step.co.uk."
Picket lines will be in place from 7.30am to 10.30am at the charity's offices across Bristol and Bath.
Share