Plans to review admin services at Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership Trust have been withdrawn today following a successful campaign by UNISON.
The announcement from the Trust’s new Chief Executive Dominic Hardisty followed 18 months of talks, lunchtime walkouts and a formal strike ballot which saw over 95% of affected staff voting for strike action.
Wiltshire and Avon Health UNISON Branch Secretary Andrew Cork said:
“We are delighted that AWP’s new Chief Executive has chosen to listen to the views of the overwhelming majority of admin staff, by withdrawing these plans which amongst other things would have scrapped the essential Medical Secretary role and put more strain on already-stretched mental health services.
“We believe that UNISON’s campaign, the fantastic level of engagement from admin staff themselves, and in particular the three votes which repeatedly demonstrated our member’s willingness to take strike action over this issue, all played an essential role in reaching this point.
“Unfortunately the continued uncertainty which AWP admin staff have faced over the past year has meant that many have chosen to leave the service. Management’s focus now should be on recruiting to replace them, and rebuilding the trust and morale of those who have stayed.”