Care workers, some facing a loss of income of up to a third after Pembrokeshire County Council slashed their hours, took their cause to the streets of Haverfordwest this afternoon (Friday).

Attempts to stop the change in contracted hours for the council’s in house Homecare service were started in July by Unison, who represent 65 members affected by the changes.

Today, a group of around 30 handed out leaflets and carried placards protesting against the move to reduce hours.

Carol Murray-Mcauley, who works for Homecare north Pembrokeshire, has been told that her hours will be cut from 37 to 25.

“We are not just carers, we have been doing it for many years, we love the job and we love the people. We are being treated so badly,” she said.

The highly trained Homecare Staff feel they are being sidelined for cheaper agency staff and are concerned that this will have an impact on the people being cared for.

The cuts in the workers' hours also has implications for their pensions, with many staff having to work longer to make up the shortfall.

In some cases the reduction in hours also impacts on the ability to claim working tax credits.

“These low paid women workers fought for equal pay and fought for the single status pay and grading. They finally get their fair pay and they’re saying 'we don’t want you.' They have given a considerable amount of service, they are highly qualified - public money has been invested in their training and the council want to discard it,” said Unison branch secretary Vic Dennis.

The Homecare staff and Unison members will lobby councillors at next Thursday’s full council meeting at 10am.