UNION members in Sandwell’s Children’s Services have taken a huge step towards strike action over Government plans to create a trust to run the department.

Three unions held ballots over whether to have a strike ballot and 97 per cent of UNISON members voted for a strike ballot on a strong turnout, GMB members gave a 100 per cent vote for a strike ballot and Unite an 87 per cent vote on even stronger turnouts.

The trade unions in Sandwell have informed the Governments appointed Commissioner Eleanor Brazil of the decision.

Tony Barnsley, Joint Branch Secretary for Sandwell UNISON said: "It is not a coincidence that the first four councils the Tories have enforced the privatisation of children's services are all Labour controlled.

"The enforcement of a Children’s Trust upon Sandwell is being ideologically driven by the Tories set on privatising or cutting everything."

He added: "There is simply no evidence or justification for privatising Children’s Services in order to improve it.

"There are real practice fears it could adversely affect the service to Sandwell’s children, particularly given the watering down of standards within current legislation.

"It is highly hypocritical for the Tories to lecture councils on protecting children when they can’t even organise an enquiry into the horrible historical child abuse committed by those with fame and power."

The Government is set to make an announcement shortly and if it includes privatising staff the unions will formally ballot for a strike as soon as possible.

Mr Barnsley added: "If the Governments aim is truly about improving the service there should be no reason why they can’t give the workforce the guarantees they demand about their pension, pay and terms."

The Government took control of Sandwell Council's children services department after several warnings and inadequate Ofsted reports which slammed the standard of care.