Staff working for South West mental health charity vote to take strike action
UNISON say more than 100 staff at sites across the South West will take strike action in a dispute over pay
Last updated 27th Nov 2025
Staff working for a South West mental health charity have voted to strike in a dispute over pay.
UNISON said today (November 27) that more than 100 support workers, recovery specialists, accommodation workers and central staff from Second Step will take action at sites across Bristol, Somerset, North Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Bath, Swindon and Wiltshire.
The Union added that almost four in five workers (78%) who took part in the ballot backed strike action.
Second Step delivers local authority and NHS-funded mental health services across the South West.
UNISON says employees have seen the value of their wages fall each year because the charity has failed to award increases in line with inflation, so staff aren’t keeping up with the cost of living.
The situation has been made worse by the employer’s refusal to recognise the union in order to negotiate pay, terms and conditions, added the union.
UNISON South West regional secretary Kerry Baigent said: “These workers would prefer to focus on supporting their clients. Instead, many are struggling to support themselves. Some of them are relying on foodbanks and payday loans to get by.
“It’s disappointing that seven months since this dispute began, Second Step management has failed to improve its offer in any way. The charity should embrace Acas talks as an opportunity to end this dispute and avoid the disruption of a strike entirely.”
Second Step recovery worker Dan King said: “Second Step’s response to this dispute is out of touch with the reality facing low-paid workers. Rents, energy bills and grocery costs continue to rise
“It’s time for managers to drop the delaying tactics and bring an offer to the table.”
UNISON says representatives from the union and Second Step are taking part in talks through arbitration service Acas, in an effort to avoid industrial action.
Second Step has been approached for comment.