County Council steps in to protect Cherwell Care Ltd care worker jobs so services can continue

The jobs of 22 staff and care for dozens of people in need in Bicester, Banbury and Kidlington have been secured thanks to the swift action of Oxfordshire County Council.

Cherwell Care Services Ltd notified the council on Saturday that it would be unable to continue providing care at home services to 72 people. As a result, the county council took immediate action to protect the jobs of the staff affected so that all the people supported will continue to get their care visits.

The county council pulled together a team of 10 people, including social workers, legal and contracting specialists, and commissioners, and the team worked with the registered manager, the staff, and the company to ensure all service users will be cared for both in the short term and over a longer period.

Benedict Leigh, Deputy Director for Commissioning, explained: “The people receiving care were our immediate concern, and we know how crucial it is for people to have continuity of service from carers they know and trust. We also wanted to secure the future of the staff involved.

“The registered manager and 21 staff have now all been offered contracts with Oxfordshire County Council and we will also ensure they get paid for the work they have already carried out. We will be working closely with them in the interim as we look for a longer-term solution.”

Ian Hudspeth, leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: “We have turned a negative situation into a positive by swift and decisive action. I am delighted that the county’s team has acted so quickly and efficiently to secure the care og those affected and of course, the jobs of the valued staff involved. They play a vital role in our thriving communities.”