LANCASHIRE social care support workers began a three-day walkout today, the third round of strikes over salary grades and working cover.

Unison said as many as 200 social care support officers and hearing impairment officers employed by the council will strike, which follows four days of action taken at the end of July. 

The support staff frequently find themselves being used in place of social workers, but without receiving any more pay, said the union.

They are currently employed on grade 6 of the council's salary scale but believe they should be on the next grade up, which pays up to £4,200 more a year.

Unison North West regional organiser James Rupa said: “Lancashire County Council has long relied on social care support officers to deliver essential services beyond their pay grade, exploiting their expertise at a low cost.

“Despite requests for fair regrading, the council continues to ignore their concerns, leading frustrated staff to leave for better pay and prompting those who remain to take action.

“Persistent issues with recruitment and a 22 per cent vacancy rate in adult social care could severely impact Lancashire’s most vulnerable residents.

“These workers will continue their campaign until the council addresses these critical challenges.”

The staff involved in the industrial action conduct social care assessments for adults and arrange and review care packages for people with additional needs, including older people and those with physical or learning disabilities and mental health issues.

Growing staff shortages and workloads for social workers across the country have seen support workers now regularly undertake far more complex tasks than previously, said Unison, such as supporting survivors of domestic abuse, victims of sexual exploitation, and people going through periods of serious self-neglect.

The council was contacted for comment.