Jobs and care fears overswitch
More than 40 jobs are at risk at a care firm after it lost a major contract with the council.
Homecare B&NES said 46 members of staff could be affected by Bath and North East Somerset Council's decision to end its contract on March 31.
The council announced its termination of the contract last week, saying it would be transferring the care of 94 people, who rely on home care assistance, to other providers.
Chief executive of the Homecare B&NES's parent company Agincare Group, Raina Summerson, said the Midsomer Norton firm was disappointed with the way the council had handled the situation after months of negotiation.
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She said: "Despite months and months of attempts to negotiate a way forward, the council's decision to change the commissioning arrangements comes only seven weeks before the contract with Homecare B&NES has been confirmed to now terminate.
"We are very concerned how the future arrangements for the care to 94 vulnerable clients can be properly assessed and agreed in this short period of time.
"Furthermore we are incredibly disappointed that the council chose to make a public announcement about the future provision of the services without consultation with us or the unions representing our staff.
"We are currently reviewing what the announcement means for Homecare B&NES in respect of its future, following the loss of such a significant contract and substantial job losses this situation may create for the long serving ex-council members of staff."
Public sector union Unison also criticised the announcement.
B&NES has said it would contact the 94 clients using the home care service about the next steps via the social care organisation Sirona.
Anyone concerned about transfer of care should contact B&NES Council on 01225 396229.
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