Unpredictable effects of strikes on Hampshire schools

Day care centres, schools and police service will all be affected by Wednesday's strike action

DAY care centres will be closed across Hampshire due to the planned national strike by public sector unions tomorrow (Wed Nov 30) over pensions, but refuse collections across the borough will remain unaffected, while effects on schools are as yet unknown.

Hampshire County Council has said it appears most day care centre staff had indicated they would not be striking, but due to expected disruption, a decision had been taken to close all day services on Wednesday (Nov 30).

Staff from these services who do turn up for work can be redeployed to their nearest care home, or do out reach work, according to the council.

The council said that the effect of the strikes on schools was less predictable as staff do not have to advise managers and headteachers of their intention to strike until the day.

“However, it is anticipated that there will be widespread disruption across Hampshire services, particularly schools, if all trade union members within the county do decide to strike.

The council's priorities are to keep critical services running for the vulnerable residents of Hampshire and children in care.” said a council spokeswoman, Kate Ball.

Affects on other services, such as libraries are equally unpredictable in advance, with users advised to contact individual libraries in advance, before setting off.

Across the borough of Basingstoke and Deane, refuse and recycling collections will definitely not be affected, according to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, with those whose collection day falls on a Wednesday advised to put their bins out as normal.

However the borough council's contact centre and reception desks at the civic offices in Basingstoke are likely to be short staffed, so the public have been requested to only contact the council with urgent queries:

Chief executive Tony Curtis said: "We are aware that staff feel strongly about this national issue concerning pensions and staff will be supporting the national strike action. It is the council's intention to remain open on November 30 and in particular to ensure essential services continue to run for our customers. Residents can help us to help them by avoiding contacting the council with non-urgent enquiries on strike day.”

A spokeswoman for Hampshire Fire and Rescue Services, Jo Gray, confirmed the strike would only affect non-operational staff, with front line services remaining unaffected.

Effects of the strike upon Hampshire police services were also unpredictable, but head of human resources for Hampshire Constabulary Nicole Cornelius said: “Protecting our communities remains our priority. However we do appreciate that police staff have concerns about proposed changes to their pension scheme and may wish to take action on November 30.

“In the event of a major emergency, for example, any employees who are required to assist will return to work to support the police response.

“Specifically, the force already has contingency plans in place to ensure we can continue to take and respond to emergency calls from the public in our control room.”