FOSTER and adoption workers have announced that they will be striking for a further six days next week.

On top of the 24 hour strike with social workers next Wednesday, those working to help find safe homes for children at risk in the city will stay out on the picket line until August 9.

Southampton City Council received notification of these latest strikes from Unison within the last two hours.

Those involved will include all members of the fostering team, adoption team, adolescent resource centre and business support staff in the commission division who support the three teams.

Leader of the Council, Royston Smith, said: “This action by trade unions will put the welfare of our most vulnerable children in our city at risk. There is no excuse for that.

“This is not just a step too far, it is a mile too far.

“Announcing even one day's strike in this area is unacceptable. Going beyond that and announcing a further six days of strikes for people who directly look after our vulnerable children simply beggars belief.

“We want a constructive negotiation to end industrial action in the city. How can any negotiations be constructive when the trade unions are threatening to endanger the welfare of our children?

“I would appeal to trade unions to stop industrial action in the city, continue to meet with us and find a way forward.

Mike Tucker, Unison branch secretary, said: “The extended strike action by social workers demonstrates the depth of the anger over the Council's actions. The industrial action will spread unless the Council negotiates a fair settlement with its workforce.

“The payment of £1400 “market supplement” is part of the problem, not a solution. The Council needs to re-think its approach to retaining social work staff.”