Staff at mental health charity Second Step, which has offices in Bath, are set to go on strike over pay, UNISON has announced.
More than 100 workers will walk out for four days at sites in Bath and the West of England.
The strike days are scheduled for Tuesday 13th, Wednesday 14th, Wednesday 21st and Thursday 22nd January.
Almost four in five employees (78%) who took part in the ballot backed industrial action.
Those striking include support workers, recovery specialists and central staff.
Second Step delivers mental health services funded by local authorities and the NHS.
UNISON says employees have seen the value of their wages fall year after year because pay awards have not kept pace with inflation, leaving staff struggling with the rising cost of living.
It also criticises the charity for refusing to negotiate pay with UNISON, despite it being the UK’s largest trade union.
UNISON South West regional secretary Tim Roberts 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.”
Second Step recovery worker Dan King added: “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.”
Picket lines will be in place from 7.30am to 10.30am at Second Step’s head office in Pennywell Road, at High Support Accommodation in North Street, at the Greenway Centre in Doncaster Road, all in Bristol, and at the Bath office in Southgate Street.
A Second Step spokesperson said: “Following detailed and ongoing discussions with UNISON representatives, we can confirm today (9th January 2026) that strike action involving up to 112 Second Step employees will take place for four days on 13, 14, 21 and 22 January 2026.
“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.”
“If people have questions or concerns, they can contact us on 0117 909 6630 or email [email protected]”
