SOUTHAMPTON unions will again lead protests tomorrow over proposed cuts to city care homes.

Groups Unite and Unison will take to the picket lines outside the city’s Civic Centre as they fight to save Glen Lee in Bitterne and Holcroft House in Thornhill.

Southampton City Council wants to close the last two authority-owned homes in the city, claiming it will save £1,327,000 per year. This cash, they add, could then be used to focus on stay-at-home care.

More than 70 jobs would be threatened if the plans were approved, although the council has promised to relocate staff to other areas of the service if the homes are closed.

“However, protesters say that no promise has been made to employees.

Currently about 75 elderly people, many suffering from dementia, live in the two homes. The authority has said it will help those residents move to other locations – even picking up the private bill if necessary.

Unite Southampton Branch Secretary Mark Wood said: “We understand the devastating result of Conservative [central government’s] austerity is to force councils into making difficult decisions. However, Southampton councillors have chosen to target the most vulnerable members of our community and the loyal and devoted staff who care for them, without properly considering all of the options.

“This proposal will see the eviction of dementia sufferers from their home, a separation from their friends and familiar surroundings, which is known to contribute to a worsening of the condition and in some cases drive them to an early grave. Our members and the families of residents are devastated because they know the likely affect.

“Unite will never support such a proposal that leaves Southampton at the mercy of private care providers with no council alternative and throws more than 70 loyal care staff on the scrap heap. Promises of alternative employment are empty; there are no alternative jobs.

“The purpose of this demonstration is to raise the profile and to encourage everyone to get involved in the consultation. We need to send the council a clear message that this is a step too far and that they should think again.”

The demonstration will take place outside the Civic Centre at 1.30pm, just before the authority’s Full Council meeting at 2pm.

A petition organised by Claire Ransom, deputy-branch secretary of Unison Southampton has now reached the 1,500 target required to trigger a full debate at the meeting.

The demonstration will be led by employees of the two homes and relatives of residents, though all community members and supportive groups are urged to attend and show their solidarity.

Ms Ransom said: “Our members, and the local community, recognise the closures will cause distress, impact hugely on residents and families.”

She added: “We are delighted to be able to make representations and trigger a debate at the full council meeting.

“As our own enquiries have shown, the council has not fully explored all available alternatives to the closures, our opinion is that the current consultation is misleading the public and the rationale for closing the homes is flawed.

“We will not accept job losses or reduced availability of affordable care and nor should any Labour councillor.”

Councillor Lorna Fielker, adult care chief at Southampton City Council said that a consultation about the future of the homes had been launched.

“We would encourage as many people as possible to take part in the consultation before January 16, by either going on to the council website or picking up a paper copy from local libraries.

The results of the consultation will be presented to cabinet in February.

To have your say, visit: southampton.gov.uk/council-democracy/have-your-say/budget-2019-2021/future-of-residential-care-homes/