Second Step mental health workers appeal for strike fund support

Mental health charity workers at Second Step who are taking strike action over pay and union recognition are appealing for financial support.

More than 100 workers walked out on 13 and 14 January at workplaces across Bristol, Somerset, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Bath, Swindon and Wiltshire. They returned to the picket lines on 21 and 22 January and have now announced a further seven strike dates in January and February.

Second Step delivers local authority and NHS-funded mental health services. Staff include support workers, recovery workers and central services staff.

A dispute caused by the employer

The dispute began when Second Step unilaterally imposed an average 2.5% cost of living pay award for 2025–26, despite the figure being overwhelmingly rejected by UNISON members.

Matters escalated when the employer refused to discuss pay with workplace representatives, stating that it did not believe it had to negotiate with the union.

UNISON representatives entered ACAS conciliation in an attempt to resolve the dispute. Despite this, members have still not received an improved offer and are now striking over both pay and their right to have their union recognised for collective bargaining.