Strikes - 16 & 17 July

Statement from Councillor Ken Thornber, Leader of Hampshire County Council:

"The County Council will be affected by the national decision for members of the unions UNISON, and UNITE the Union to strike on 16 and 17 July in connection with national pay negotiations. Only on the day of proposed industrial action will it become clear how many staff may be involved. As yet, it is still too early to accurately assess the final number of staff involved and how this could impact on service provision but the County Council will make every effort to ensure the impact on services is kept to a minimum and  is taking appropriate steps to ensure that its essential frontline services will continue to be provided."

"The Council has been assessing the likely extent of disruption to essential services and negotiations with the trade unions have resulted in a number of exemptions being put in place for staff engaged in the provision of these services, including those for children, the old and vulnerable. The County Council has also been examining other contingency measures which may need to be put into place."

"We have prepared a letter that has been sent to all employees to inform them of the employment effects of participation in the action. "

"Our priority is to the vulnerable people of Hampshire and children in our care and rest assured that the County Council will do everything possible to ensure that they will be well looked after throughout the period of industrial action.”