The GMB union will be hosting a fun social event for foster carers and their children at Mirfield Community Centre today, from 11am to 3pm, as a celebration of their membership of the giant general union and also to give recognition to the fantastic job that foster carers do.

The GMB has been representing foster carers in the Yorkshire and North Derbyshire Region for the last 5 years and has members in Kirklees, Leeds, Calderdale and Bradford as well as many other towns and cities across the country.

Rachel Harrison, GMB lead officer for foster carers, said: Foster carers have one of the most important roles in society, looking after our most vulnerable children. However, they have hardly any employment rights due to their self-employed status. They need our support and we have successfully been able to bring them together and unionise this previously vulnerable group of workers so they can stand collectively when the need arises. We have also been able to offer support and legal representation when false allegations have resulted in criminal proceedings. The GMB will be working with the Fostering Network on a national scale, campaigning for national improvements on standards for foster carers.”

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For further details contact Rachel Harrison 07539-061702, Caroline Jones on 07800 714247 or Cath Pinder on 07801-420985

Event will take place at Mirfield Community Centre, Water Royd Lane, Mirfield, WF14 9SG. Time 11am to 3pm. Guest speakers include Regional Secretary of GMB, Neil Derrick, Batley Labour Party CLP Chair, Cath Pinder plus other guest speakers. Events for children include bouncy castle, face painting and entertainer.