Carers rally against 50 per cent pay cuts

GMB members are set to protest from 8.15am in Massetts Road, outside housing and support services firm Prospect brought in by Surrey County Council, which is trying to hack apart staff working conditions.

The union said some of its members could have their wages halved under Surrey's plans.

Prospect told the Star that it was "disappointed" that GMB called the demonstration while it is still "in consultation with the affected staff."

But GMB senior organiser Kevin Brandstatter said workers had been given until the start of 2013 to sign new contracts or face the boot. About 100 refused.

Now Prospect has sent 90-day notices of dismissal, he said, "but after April 1 Prospect would struggle to find people who could do those jobs at the drop of a hat."

Of the 268 staff employed by Prospect more than half are GMB members and both unionised and non-union workers are being targeted.

Mr Brandstatter said Prospect also wants to change employees' holiday entitlements and pensions.

"It is messing about with people's lives. It is disgraceful. The management team is not taking any cuts."

GMB has also balloted members to see what action they want to take, and is set for another one on industrial action.

Regional officer Sheila Carlson said: "Surrey County Council, after a public value review, asked Prospect to undertake a cut to their budget in exchange for additional referrals.

"Instead of looking at whether the organisation could be run more efficiently, Prospect is pressing on with these massive cuts in terms and conditions and severe hardship for our members."