A UNION has claimed a care company, which has a number of sites in West Yorkshire, is planning to cut staff holiday, as well as sick and maternity pay.

Unison described Valorum Care Group’s plans as “mean-spirited” and urged a rethink. 

The group took over the running of care services previously operated by Leonard Cheshire Disability.

Ashley Harper, Unison Yorkshire & Humberside regional organiser, said: “Valorum must pull back from making these devastating cuts, quite simply because it’s the right thing to do. 

“Driving through short-sighted, cost cutting plans won’t just alienate staff but could even compromise the care residents receive, if care workers decide to get jobs with employers who better respect their workforce.”

A Valorum spokesperson said three schemes in West Yorkshire could potentially be affected; Kenmore in Cleckheaton; Champion House in Calverley and White Windows in Sowerby Bridge.

They added: "The care sector is a very challenging sector to operate in. Costs are increasing significantly while at the same time income is reducing as local authorities struggle to meet the rising cost of social care.

"Many local authorities are offering payment increases below inflation this year. The last year has been even more challenging, operationally and financially, with Covid-19 hitting the sector hard. 

"Valorum Care Group has grown over the last three years, acquiring schemes from other providers which have staff on different pay and conditions.

"Fairness is of paramount importance to us and ensuring that our staff are paid fairly across the group is a top priority. We are implementing full and proper consultation processes on the changes.

"We have absolute admiration for all our staff and their efforts throughout the pandemic.

"Embarking on this consultation is to create a fairer way of working across all our services at this difficult time and protect jobs and services for the long term in this challenging social care environment."