Barnet Group workers vote 100% for strike ballot over unequal pay terms

More than 1,000 housing and social care workers employed by The Barnet Group have voted unanimously to proceed with strike action after their demands for equal terms with Barnet Council staff were rejected. Unison, the union representing the workers, said an internal ballot returned a 100% vote in favour of industrial action.

The dispute centres on claims that The Barnet Group, a private company wholly owned by Barnet Council, treats its staff as "second-class" compared to directly employed council workers. Workers say they are excluded from the council’s pension scheme, sickness pay, pay grades and standard working week, despite performing similar roles.

Demands for equal terms rejected

Unison Barnet branch secretary John Burgess said the union had sought parity with council terms, including the national local government pay award, but CEO Eliott Sweetman immediately dismissed the claims. A Barnet Group spokesperson confirmed that employees are on separate terms and conditions, citing financial and operational implications.

The spokesperson said: "The Barnet Group will consider this year’s pay award once the national negotiations have concluded." They added that other elements of the union’s claim, including pension arrangements, were not agreed following collective bargaining.

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Workers report 60-hour weeks and food bank reliance

Staff from Barnet Homes and Your Choice Barnet, which provides supported living and day centre services, described working conditions they called unsustainable. One worker, who asked to be identified only as Eva, said some colleagues rely on food banks despite working overtime, weekends and night shifts on flat rates.

“We are paid crumbs as if we were mere dogs. Some employees need to go to the foodbank to feed their family.”

Eva, Your Choice Barnet worker

Unison Barnet branch chair Helen Davies said workers are routinely asked to work 60-hour weeks to afford basic living costs. She added that staff report a lack of regulation and oversight of management practices, with some alleging they were bullied for raising concerns.

A Barnet Group spokesperson said the company takes allegations of unfair treatment seriously and has formal channels for staff to raise concerns. They said: "We value the contribution of our workforce and remain committed to constructive engagement with employees and recognised trade unions."

Strike ballot to open later this month

Unison will begin an official strike ballot later this month, with voting expected to run for four to six weeks. If successful, industrial action could disrupt housing and social care services across the borough. The union said the ballot follows years of unresolved grievances, including reports of workers missing out on 12 years of holiday pay.

Barnet Council has not commented on the dispute. The outcome of the strike ballot is expected to be announced in October.