CARE home workers in St Helens are set to walk out in a pay dispute with their employer, Pilkington Retirement Services.

The dozen staff members work at a care home for former workers at the world-renowned Pilkington Glass factory and are in dispute over the pay and conditions offered by their employer.

Unite members working as care assistants at Ruskin Lodge in St Helens have undergone a job evaluation where they are now expected to administer controlled drugs to residents.

The employer is not offering a pay uplift, despite the huge increase in responsibility. Pilkington is only offering a 4 per cent increase, plus a £500 non-consolidated payment, when they complete the drug training. Workers currently get just £13 per hour. They will now walk out on August 12 and 13 and again on August 19 and 20.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "These are invaluable staff looking after vulnerable elderly residents. Yet despite asking them to perform increased duties, Pilkington are offering a derisory pay rise.

“The Pilkington Trust is incredibly wealthy and could solve this dispute with the stroke of a pen. Instead they have forced our members to take to the picket line in protest.

"Our members will have the full support of Unite in their fight for fair pay."

Unite have calculated the cost to be in the region of just £12,000 (additional to what is offered), to meet our members' expectations. Unite regional officer Ian McClusky added: "This is a dispute entirely the making of Pilkington's. As the care home is also open for NHS referrals and guests this strike will have a significant impact on their working operations.

"Pilkington is a world-renowned name and consequently there will be much interest in this dispute. We are fighting for a decent pay offer considering the significant changes to their terms, this is the least that they deserve. I’m sure that the people of St Helens will agree."