Barnet UNISON request the right to speak on behalf of 93 Covid Heroes
On Tuesday 24 August 2021 Barnet UNISON wrote to the Cllr Rajput Sachin Chair of the Adults & Safeguarding Committee
Extract below:
“ I am writing to you today on behalf of our members who provide care services at Apthorp care home.
On Friday 20 August 2021, 93 staff were informed that as a result of a Council decision to close Apthorp residential home on 31 October 2021 they are all at risk of redundancy.
This decision has understandably left our members devasted especially considering their hard work looking after vulnerable residents during the height of Covid when there were no vaccines available.
I must profess I am also concerned about the speed in which the home is to close. These are vulnerable residents and the consequences of moving can sometimes be fatal.
Our members want to know the real reason as to why the home is closing.
For your information these are the questions we submitted to Your Choice Barnet and we are seeking answers:
- Who made the decision to close Apthorp?
- When did the meeting on the future of Apthorp take place?
- What information about Apthorp was provided to the decision makers?
- Please provide copies of the information provided to the decision makers.
- Please provide a copy of the minutes of the meeting and the actions agreed.
I note that there is an Adults and Safeguarding Committee meeting on Tuesday 14 September 2021 at 7 pm.
Our members have asked that we seek permission from the Chair of this Committee in order we can make our case for this decision to be delayed.
I am formally requesting that UNISON is allowed to make representation to this committee.
Our members will be attending this meeting it would be helpful if they could see that this committee will do the right thing and provide these care workers with an opportunity to put their case against closure.
Stay safe.
Best wishes
John Burgess
Branch Secretary.
Barnet UNISON
As of Thursday 26 August 2021, we have not yet had a response to this request.
End.