A redesign of carer's rotas which have given them at times only 'seven minutes' to care for a client is to go ahead as planned despite an uproar.
Following a crunch meeting which attempted to halt the alteration of shift for carers was held, councillors agreed they would urge West Dunbartonshire Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) to pause the programme.
The debate was brought about after numerous staff raised concerns through the GMB union that the rotas "weren't working" and "were forcing carers to quit."
However, despite the union writing to the HSCP board again for a resolution, it has been confirmed the redesign will go ahead as planned.
Cara Stevenson, of GMB's women's campaign unit, wrote: "While GMB, in the past, have asked for the redesign to be restarted, we understand this is not realistic and would not be productive to improving service delivery at this stage.
"However, we believe there is still room for meaningful negotiation to look at further options to reduce detriment to staff while ensuring service delivery is unaffected."
READ MORE: West Dunbartonshire care workers 'forced to quit' says GMB
Included in the letter, Cara sets out six point of the redesign the union would like to revisit and potentially changes.
These include the offering of 31 hour contracts, leaving carers off the SWITCH software until further negotiations are made and allowing for transition rotas.
In response to the letter, the HSCP board say they "value the work" of dedicated carers and will continue to support them.
In addition, they add that despite the motion to urge a pause of the programme, it is to continue.
A West Dunbartonshire HSCP spokesperson said: “We value the work our dedicated carers undertake and continue to support them through this period of change.
“Following the Council meeting on 11 February, members of the Integrated Joint Board (IJB) agreed that the Care at Home redesign will continue as planned.
"This will support a safe, sustainable service for those who receive care, while providing clarity and stability for our workforce as well as suitable alternatives for their personal circumstances.
“We remain committed to engaging openly with the workforce and Trade Union representatives as this progresses.”
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