53 staff to go as Danby closes

Residents forced to move as Devon County Council cuts Service

Devon County UNISON Press Release - 1 Jun 06

Staff and residents at Danby House have been left reeling by Devon County Council's decision to close its specialised service - and sell the building off to private investors.

UNISON - the public sector union representing Danby House staff - learnt of the decision today, a decision that follows a ninety-day consultation exercise conducted by the authority concerning Danby's future.

In spite of massive local pressure by the residents' families, their carers and lobbying of local councillors and politicians, Devon County Council has seen fit to close the service - a move that UNISON views with disbelief.

UNISON Spokesperson Steve Ryles / Regional Officer Andy Freeman said:

'This beggars belief - the staff are in pieces and the main fear for them now is for their clients - where are they going to go?

Of course, their own financial future is also jeopardised by the authority's cost saving decision - but it speaks volumes for the staff that their first thought is for the welfare of the people they care for.

UNISON will do everything it can to protect and support its members at this extremely traumatic time and will fight to keep them employed within the authority. We have a policy of balloting for strike action should compulsory redundancies be made - and it may well come to that.'

Danby House has a 22-bed capacity and currently houses 7 long-term residents, with 15 people being treated in rehabilitation services. Danby helps people with physical / sensory disabilities as well as victims of brain damage.

Twenty-five other care homes throughout the county are also being sold to the private sector as the authority seeks to make good a £15 million pound budget shortfall.

For further information, contact:

• Andy Freeman: 07904 326824

• Steve Ryles: 07968 267966