GMB will be in Halifax Town Centre (Woolshops) this Saturday, 11th February 2017 from 11am for a petition signing event in support of Calderdale foster carers, following the council’s decision to rubber-stamp detrimental changes to their terms and conditions.

The changes will mean foster carers having to work to a zero hours’ contract offering little or no financial security between child placements and they will also see a reduction to their annual leave entitlement.  The changes are due to come into effect on the 26th February 2017.

Rachel Harrison, GMB organiser for foster carers said: "I would urge the council not to implement these changes; foster carers do a fantastic job for the authority and this just feels like a kick in the teeth to them.  We have already had hundreds if not thousands of signatures in support from neighbouring authorities and these will be presented to the council when they meet next week."

"The council has failed to listen to concerns raised by GMB and foster carers. Some foster carers will be left in a position of having to quit fostering to find alternative paid employment, or take their years of training and experience to foster for an independent fostering agency. This in turn will increase the cost to the council as it will have to pay more to agencies for the services. The GMB has launched the petition calling on Calderdale Council to stop the cuts to foster carers’ terms.Ends –

For further comment contact Rachel Harrison on 07539-061702 or Caroline Jones on 07850-325283 or 0345 337 7777

Notes to Editor: Photo Opportunity (Woolshops) 12 noon.

The link to the petition is: https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/calderdale-foster-carers-petition - Paper copies are available on request from GMB - Grove Hall - 60 College Grove Rd - Wakefield - WF1 3RN