Staff at Enable will walk out in a dispute over pay. 

Workers at Enable Scotland have voted to take strike action in a dispute over pay.

Union UNISON announced the move, marking the the first time in more than ten years that social care workers in the charitable sector have voted to strike. 

The formal ballot, which closed on Monday, saw 93% of those who voted supporting the call for industrial action.

UNISON Scotland area organiser Wendy Hudson said: “Care workers, who look after some of the most vulnerable people in society, are struggling to make ends meet because they’re not paid enough to live on.

“Five years on from the first Covid lockdown, the care workforce shouldn’t be left with no option other than to strike for a fair wage. More value must be placed on the work care staff do.

“Enable Scotland is one of the better employers in the care sector. But without proper funding from the Scottish government, care workers will continue to be let down. Ministers must fund charitable care properly and act to resolve this issue.”

Representatives have the undervaluing of care workers has led to a crisis in the sector. 

UNISON regional organiser Jennifer McCarey said: “The care sector is in crisis. Care workers must be able to negotiate their pay at a national level with government, as health and council staff currently do.

“The recruitment crisis in social care won’t end until care workers are valued for the vital work they do and given the fair pay they deserve.”

UNISON steward, and care worker, Kim O’Donnell added: “Every care worker in Scotland was let down by the Edinburgh government when it withdrew promised funding that deepened the crisis in the care sector.

“This vote from Enable Scotland reflects how undervalued care workers feel. They want to be respected for the work they do and paid a decent wage.”

Enable were approached for comment.