Domestic Abuse Workers in Tower Hamlets Vote to Strike Over Proposed Job Cuts
Members of the United Voices of the World union express concerns that cuts will jeopardize support for victims and survivors of domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse workers in Tower Hamlets have voted overwhelmingly to strike indefinitely due to proposed job cuts that they assert will compromise critical services for victims and survivors of domestic violence.
Members of the United Voices of the World (UVW) union recorded a 100 percent vote in favor of the strike, with a turnout of 92 percent.
The workers are employed by Solace, a charity that provides emotional support to high-risk survivors of domestic violence, with financial backing from Tower Hamlets Council.
According to a spokesperson for Solace, the organization is currently consulting with staff as part of a restructuring process linked to the merging of funding streams, and is exploring potential redeployment opportunities.
The UVW has raised alarms that the proposed reductions could result in a one-third reduction of the staff team.
They warn that such cuts would have a severe impact on service users, particularly women and children, who rely on these support services.
In the period between April and December 2024, Solace staff managed 1,139 referrals and provided support to 227 victim-survivors, reflecting the high demand for their services.
Tower Hamlets has the second-highest rate of domestic abuse cases in London, highlighting the critical role of organizations like Solace in the local community.
A representative of the UVW emphasized that the stakes of the impending cuts could lead to more victims facing challenges without adequate support, stressing the importance of maintaining service quality to assist those in crisis.
In statements from union members, concerns were raised that the downsizing of the team would significantly hinder their ability to address systemic barriers that survivors face, including immigration and financial issues.
One member, who asked to remain anonymous, described the situation as potentially harmful to victims, reinforcing the message that these cuts are not just organizational adjustments, but would result in tangible risks to community safety.
Isabel Cortés, Assistant General Secretary of UVW, articulated the determination among the workers to fight against the proposed job cuts, stating that their actions were in the interest of protecting vital services for survivors.
The union has called for urgent discussions between Solace management and the council to address the implications of the proposed changes.
A spokesperson for Tower Hamlets Council clarified that there are no current plans to alter the funding level provided to Solace for supporting domestic abuse victims.
They emphasized the importance of collaboration with Solace in understanding any proposed changes to service delivery and maintaining effective support for those in need.
In response to the crisis and to raise awareness of their cause, Solace workers plan to hold a rally outside Tower Hamlets Town Hall in Whitechapel on February 6. Meanwhile, Solace reaffirmed its commitment to supporting survivors and advocating for sustainable funding for domestic abuse services at both local and national levels, citing a need for ongoing resources to address the challenges faced in the sector.
Members of the United Voices of the World (UVW) union recorded a 100 percent vote in favor of the strike, with a turnout of 92 percent.
The workers are employed by Solace, a charity that provides emotional support to high-risk survivors of domestic violence, with financial backing from Tower Hamlets Council.
According to a spokesperson for Solace, the organization is currently consulting with staff as part of a restructuring process linked to the merging of funding streams, and is exploring potential redeployment opportunities.
The UVW has raised alarms that the proposed reductions could result in a one-third reduction of the staff team.
They warn that such cuts would have a severe impact on service users, particularly women and children, who rely on these support services.
In the period between April and December 2024, Solace staff managed 1,139 referrals and provided support to 227 victim-survivors, reflecting the high demand for their services.
Tower Hamlets has the second-highest rate of domestic abuse cases in London, highlighting the critical role of organizations like Solace in the local community.
A representative of the UVW emphasized that the stakes of the impending cuts could lead to more victims facing challenges without adequate support, stressing the importance of maintaining service quality to assist those in crisis.
In statements from union members, concerns were raised that the downsizing of the team would significantly hinder their ability to address systemic barriers that survivors face, including immigration and financial issues.
One member, who asked to remain anonymous, described the situation as potentially harmful to victims, reinforcing the message that these cuts are not just organizational adjustments, but would result in tangible risks to community safety.
Isabel Cortés, Assistant General Secretary of UVW, articulated the determination among the workers to fight against the proposed job cuts, stating that their actions were in the interest of protecting vital services for survivors.
The union has called for urgent discussions between Solace management and the council to address the implications of the proposed changes.
A spokesperson for Tower Hamlets Council clarified that there are no current plans to alter the funding level provided to Solace for supporting domestic abuse victims.
They emphasized the importance of collaboration with Solace in understanding any proposed changes to service delivery and maintaining effective support for those in need.
In response to the crisis and to raise awareness of their cause, Solace workers plan to hold a rally outside Tower Hamlets Town Hall in Whitechapel on February 6. Meanwhile, Solace reaffirmed its commitment to supporting survivors and advocating for sustainable funding for domestic abuse services at both local and national levels, citing a need for ongoing resources to address the challenges faced in the sector.
