Mental health social workers from Cumberland Council's urgent care team are planning a two-week strike starting April 24th to protest their job grading. This team, crucial for conducting mental health assessments and making detention decisions under the Mental Health Act, has previously engaged in 48-hour and 72-hour strikes in March.

A GMB union representative emphasised the team's critical expertise and dedication. In response to the upcoming strike, the council assured that "emergency cover" will be in place, collaborating with the NHS to maintain necessary support for residents.

The strike is scheduled to begin at 09:00 GMT on April 24th and conclude at 09:00 GMT on May 8th. Fran Robson, a GMB organiser, expressed the necessity for the council to acknowledge the workers' value and consider a fair re-evaluation of their roles. The escalation comes after the workers felt compelled by the lack of action on their grading issues.

The workers' current annual salaries range from £48,474 to £49,498, according to council data. The council, led by Labour, mentioned that the role was last regraded in 2019, and a subsequent request in 2022 was denied due to the absence of "significant changes" in the job's scope.