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Residents reassured reablement services to continue during planned industrial action

Published
Gloucestershire residents receiving reablement support can be reassured that services will continue and care will remain in place following a decision by some reablement workers to take industrial action between 17 and 31 August 2026.

The council and its partners have robust contingency arrangements in place and do not expect people receiving support to experience any disruption to their care.

Although the notification period for industrial action runs from 17 to 31 August, this is not a continuous two-week strike. The union may call strike action on specific days or shifts within this period.

Gloucestershire County Council and Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation Trust are working closely together to maintain services and ensure residents, families and carers continue to receive the support they need. Planning has been coordinated across both organisations to support continuity of care throughout the period of industrial action.

A joint spokesperson for the partners said: "We respect the right of staff to take industrial action. Our shared priority is to ensure that people receiving reablement support continue to receive safe, effective care. We have robust contingency plans in place and are working closely together to minimise any disruption to residents and their families.

“Reablement plays a vital role in helping people regain confidence, rebuild everyday skills and continue living safely and independently at home. The council and its partners are committed to delivering a new Community Reablement Service that will help more Gloucestershire residents benefit from this support, while ensuring the service remains sustainable for the future.

“We recognise and value the dedication, expertise and professionalism of reablement staff and remain committed to continuing constructive engagement with staff and trade union representatives throughout this process. Through our shared commitment and partnership working, we will continue to focus on delivering the best possible outcomes for the people of Gloucestershire."

The new Community Reablement Service will continue to be led by Gloucestershire County Council and delivered in partnership with specialist community reablement providers with effect from 1 September 2026. It will help more residents to receive timely support within their communities to regain confidence, rebuild daily living skills and remain independent for longer. It will support people to stay safely at home, recover following illness or a hospital stay, and reduce the need for ongoing care and avoidable admissions to hospital or residential care.