Four days of strike action beginning next week have been confirmed for mental health charity workers in Bristol over a pay dispute.
More than 100 staff employed by Second Step will take industrial action on 13, 14, 21 and 22 January at different locations.
Trade union Unison said the strike action was due to wages failing to increase in line with inflation, which it said had led to some staff using food banks.
Picket lines will be set up at the charity’s Bristol head office and mental health housing in the same city. They will also be at the Greenway Centre and another Second Step office, both in Bath.
Dan King, Second Step recovery worker, said: “Second Step’s response to this dispute is out of touch with the reality facing low-paid workers. Rents, energy bills and grocery costs continue to rise.”
“Staff shouldn’t need to resort to strike action to make management listen. The charity must drop its delaying tactics and bring a serious offer to the table.”
Some 78% of balloted workers voted in favour of strike action last November 2025, according to Unison.
Unison also said Second Step has refused to recognise the union formally in order to negotiate pay, terms and conditions.
Tim Roberts, Unison south west regional secretary, said: “Workers want to focus on supporting people experiencing mental health difficulties, not worrying about how they will pay their bills.
“Staff are suffering financial hardship because their pay has failed to keep pace with rising costs. Second Step still has time to resolve this dispute by coming forward with a fair offer and recognising the union.”
Charity comment
A Second Step spokesperson confirmed today that 112 of its employees were striking over four days.
The spokesperson said: “While we respect the right of union members to take lawful industrial action and remain committed to constructive conversations with UNISON, our main priority remains maintaining safe, continuous support for the people who rely on our services every day.
“This is why we are implementing our business continuity plans to minimise disruption. Team managers will support colleagues who are working to ensure continued service.
“This is not without its challenges, particularly at this time of year, and we are grateful to our hundreds of colleagues and clients for their understanding and support.”
Second Step remains in discussion with Unison representatives.
The financial picture at Second Step
Second Step, an exempt charity which provides local authority and NHS-funded mental health services, had been in talks with Unison via arbitration service ACAS in a bid to avoid industrial action.
This effort failed, however, leading support workers, recovery specialists and accommodation workers, among others, into imminent strike action.
Second Step most recently recorded a deficit of £300,000 for the financial year 2024-25, according to its most recent annual return form.
Its expenditure was £17.5m for 2024-25, a £100,000 increase from the year prior, while its income declined by £200,000 to £17.2m.
The charity employed 331 people overall in 2024-25, a similar amount to the year before, with its staff costs edging higher to £9.6m, including £8.45m in wages and salaries.
