Wakefield Council has confirmed the closure of a care home in Knottingley will only be temporary after extensive talks with UNISON over its future, the union says today (Wednesday).
The council said on Friday that Hazel Garth, a 24-unit residential care home in Knottingley, is to close for essential maintenance. At the time, the council’s corporate director was unable to indicate whether the home would reopen, or whether there would be any compulsory redundancies.
However, after a day of discussions between UNISON and the leader of Wakefield Council, three guarantees have been made. These are that the home will reopen after completion of the repairs, jobs will be safe in the interim and there will be no compulsory redundancies.
UNISON is pleased to have secured the commitment from the council, especially in light of ongoing speculation suggesting the home will not reopen. It will provide piece of mind not only for staff, but for care home residents and their families, says the union.
UNISON has also requested a meeting with the council’s corporate director to get a full schedule of the work being carried out at Hazel Garth and a timescale for completion.
UNISON Wakefield branch secretary Sam Greenwood said: “Rumours around the future of Hazel Garth have been very unsettling. There’s been uncertainty for residents and staff alike.
“That’s why it’s been so encouraging that the leader of Wakefield Council engaged in proper talks with UNISON, and the union has been able to secure guarantees on the care home’s future, putting the speculation to bed.”
UNISON Wakefield branch chair Dave Evans said: “This clarity from Wakefield Council is a great example of why clear, meaningful discussions with unions are so important.
“UNISON has called for further meetings with the council to keep a clear dialogue during the work at Hazel Garth, so those directly affected are kept up to date with clear information.”
