Fri 21 December 2007

UNISON MAKES UP FOR COUNCIL RESIDENTIAL HOME SCROOGES

UNISON members in Edinburgh have asked their union to step in after reports that Council budget cuts will scrap the traditional Christmas Day after-dinner chocolates in homes for the elderly and young people this year.

Irene Stout gets ready to deliver the boxes of chocolates

As a result, UNISON will now buy and deliver chocolates to all residential units in Edinburgh on Friday 21 December. The first delivery will be at The Jewel House Home for the Elderly at 08.30.

The union, which represents the staff who work in residential homes, condemned the Council's 'Scrooge' approach to Christmas.

Irene Stout, UNISON Edinburgh Branch Equalities Officer, said, "I was astonished to get phone calls from angry members who work in homes for the elderly and young people. They explained that managers had cancelled the usual chocolates due to cuts in spending. It seems that if residents want this 'luxury' they have to pay for it themselves

"This is unbelievable. Many of these residents would be on their own at Christmas if not for the residential care. The Council is their family and should be making all efforts to ensure everybody can enjoy the festivities equally".

John Ross, UNISON Service Conditions Convenor, said, "We know the Council has budget problems and we are in discussions with them about this. But in all honesty this decision borders on the ludicrous. Any savings made will be so minimal, they will have no impact whatsoever".

ENDS

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