Powys council denies social services jobs will be cut

Furious staff inside Powys County Council’s social services department have allegedly been that jobs could go after consultants were brought in to conduct a review and reform the service.

Several concerned family members of employees have contacted us after what was described as a “disastrous meeting” that was sharing the future delivery of the service, particular Adult Social Care.

One concerned family member told us that their relative was already “working themselves to the bone” due to staff shortages and was now “stressed beyond belief” following the latest meeting.

The regional authority wants to modernise the department’s delivery by changing its focus in a move that, we have been told unofficially, would save just £180,000 a year.

But we spoke with Powys County Council who have been quick to reassure staff that no redundancies are planned and this is merely “a formal consultation with staff regarding a proposed new structure for Adult Social Care”.

The Powys official statement on the issue continued: “The overarching ambition of the proposed structure is to ensure that services are socially, environmentally, and economically sustainable, with a strong emphasis on prevention and early intervention.

“In response to changing demographics and increasing levels of demand, it is proposed that locality-based teams are established, incorporating multi-disciplinary triage and strengths-based decision-making.

“This approach is intended to maximise wellbeing, prevent crisis through earlier and more effective intervention, and make improved use of community resources, working in partnership with statutory and third sector organisations to ensure that individuals receive the right support at the right time.

“The proposed model and organisational structure, developed with valuable contributions from staff through workshops and diagnostic activity, will support this strategic direction and enable the service to operate more effectively and efficiently.

“It is not anticipated that this process will result in any redundancies; rather, the creation of numerous additional posts is intended to provide enhanced opportunities for staff development and career progression within Powys.”