Council to pay union £647k over alleged failure to inform and consult before transfer of learning disability services

Somerset County Council has agreed to pay UNISON £647,000 to settle an employment tribunal case over an alleged failure to properly inform and consult with union officials about the impact on 1,100 employees of outsourcing the county’s learning disability services.

A hearing had been due to take place this week.

The union said the monies would be used to compensate those of its members affected after Discovery, part of the Dimensions Group, was awarded the learning disability contract in 2017.

UNISON claimed the company rolled out a cost-cutting programme that led to a significant number of redundancies afterwards, and the remaining care, support and administrative staff were left worried their pay and conditions would be downgraded, or they could lose their jobs.

The union said Dimensions had agreed to meet “to prepare the ground for future pay talks”.

UNISON South West regional secretary Joanne Kaye said: “We’re happy to have secured a financial settlement but for UNISON this was never about the money.

“As a result of the agreement UNISON will now work with Dimensions to secure a better deal for staff. 

“Our main aim has always been to ensure Somerset has quality, well-funded and sustainable services.”

A spokesperson for the local authority said: “Somerset County Council and Discovery believe they fulfilled their obligations in relation to the transfer. However, to avoid a protracted legal hearing with the potential for further action – as well as continued uncertainty for staff – Somerset County Council has reached a financial settlement with Unison (with a total value of £674,000) on behalf of its members and this has enabled the claim to be resolved in a way that is satisfactory for all parties.

“We are pleased that this matter has now reached a conclusion and that we can continue our work to transform learning disabilities services in Somerset.”

The spokesperson added: “The decision to transfer the service was taken so that services could be modernised and become sustainable, providing more community-based support that focusses on individual needs and provides better outcomes.

“We can see this progress in many areas of Discovery’ services, for example in terms of employment opportunities, the creation of the Social Value Fund and the shift away from buildings-based services to more creative, community-based options”.