Staff at Second Step Mental Health Charity in Bristol to Strike

Staff at the mental health charity Second Step in Bristol are set to begin a four-day strike on January 12, 2026, as 112 employees prepare to walk out in response to ongoing concerns regarding pay and working conditions. The charity has implemented contingency plans to minimize disruption to its services during this period.

Strike Details and Contingency Plans

In anticipation of the strike, Second Step has confirmed that team managers will provide support to remaining staff to ensure that essential services continue. A spokesperson for the charity stated, “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.”

The strike will take place over four consecutive days, starting from tomorrow, impacting operations on January 12, January 13, January 19, and January 20. Unison, the union representing the workers, has voiced concerns that employees are increasingly worried about their financial stability while trying to support those experiencing mental health difficulties.

Union Response

Tim Roberts, the regional secretary for Unison in the South West, emphasized the motivations behind the strike. “Workers want to focus on supporting people experiencing mental health difficulties, not worrying about how they will pay their bills,” he said. The strike highlights the tension between the demands for fair wages and the need for adequate mental health support in the community.

Second Step, which collaborates with the NHS and other organizations to provide a range of mental health services, has expressed gratitude to its clients for their understanding during this period of industrial action. The charity’s commitment to finding a resolution remains strong as it navigates the complexities of labor relations while striving to deliver essential services.

The situation at Second Step reflects broader challenges within the mental health sector, where staffing shortages and funding constraints have intensified pressures on employees. As the strike approaches, the outcome of negotiations between the charity and Unison will be closely monitored, as it may set a precedent for similar organizations facing labor disputes.