Derbyshire’s council workers to vote on strike action, says UNISON

Thousands of Derbyshire County Council staff working across social services, children’s services, day centres, libraries, homecare, community services, tourism, and schools are to be balloted for strike action. Despite having millions of pounds in reserve, the council plans to axe jobs and services without proper consultation in an attempt to deliver a balanced budget, says […]

Derbyshire’s financial crisis is Westminster’s fault

We are calling on the Westminster government to urgently address the ‘broken’ local government funding system that has led Derbyshire County Council, like many others, to enter financial crisis. Yesterday, Derbyshire’s councillors met to agree freezes on recruitment and other so-called ‘non-essential’ spending to try and patch a £46 million hole in the budget. The […]

Derbyshire County Council to close 8 vital day centres

Following a three-month consultation on the future of the local authority’s adult disability care centres, officers at Derbyshire County Council have recommended that all 8 are closed. The council’s cabinet is expected to rubber stamp the decision next Thursday. The centres set to close are Whitemoor (Amber Valley), Carter Lane, Oxcroft and Whitwell (Bolsover), Ashbourne […]

Council backs UNISON’s calls for a fair pay rise

Derbyshire County Council have committed to supporting a fair pay rise for staff after supporting a motion brought by the Labour group and backed by UNISON. The motion stated that the council support a fair pay rise for workers to help them cope with rising costs, especially those on the lowest pay who often undertake […]

Derbyshire UNISON members opposing the closures.

Seven Derbyshire care homes will close, and staff have been kept in the dark, says UNISON

Dozens of elderly people, including those with dementia, will now have to find somewhere else to live as Derbyshire County Council confirms it will close seven care homes. Residents at the homes in Sandiacre, West Hallam, Clowne, Tibshelf, Brimington, New Mills and Bakewell will be forced to move out by September 2022. Derbyshire County Council’s […]

Plans to close eight buildings that provide services to people with learning disabilities are out of order, says UNISON

Over the next 12 months the council proposes the closure of centres at Whitemoor (Amber Valley), Carter Lane, Oxcroft and Whitwell (Bolsover), Ashbourne and Wirksworth (Derbyshire Dales), Coal Aston and Renishaw (North-East Derbyshire), and Newhall (South Derbyshire). People who need services will instead have to attend one of the four remaining centres at Alderbrook (High […]

Derbyshire UNISON members opposing the closures.

Derbyshire care homes to close

Dozens of elderly people, including those with dementia, face a distressing Christmas over Derbyshire County Council’s proposals to close seven care homes. UNISON members were outside County Hall in Matlock yesterday (Monday 6 December) opposing plans that will see around 70 residents having to find alternative accommodation. The union, which represents carers who will be […]

Independent report questions legality of Derbyshire County Council’s proposed joint venture

An independent report has raised serious concerns about Derbyshire County Council proposals to set up a new company to provide cleaning and maintenance services to its buildings and schools in Derbyshire. Under the plan, around 900 council staff would transfer to the new joint venture company Vertas (Derbyshire) Ltd. It is being set up with […]