A POWYS County Council plan to increase the salaries of some social workers by £3,000 has caused "resentment amongst employees", a union has claimed.

The council announced today that it was putting in place a £3,000 "market supplement" to encourage staff to move into certain roles it says are difficult to fill.

It has vacancies in certain roles which it has struggled to plug, including in the care and support, through care and assessment teams.

However, public service union Unison has hit out at the move, claiming that it has "alienated" other social workers who will not receive a pay rise. It has now asked Powys Council to put the plans on hold and explain why it will not be introducing the payment across the board.

Unison branch secretary John Byrne said: “The pay rise is only being given to certain social workers in some departments, and is clearly inequitable.

"There’s been no real consultation on this and the other hard-pressed social workers in Powys who don’t qualify are livid and thoroughly demoralised.

“Throwing money at a select few ignores the serious underlying pressures on social workers, the impossible workloads and poor management culture which force many out of the profession. These are the core issues which should be addressed.”

The council's cabinet member for young people and culture, Rachel Powell, said: "We are committed to delivering the best outcomes for the children and young people in Powys, so it is vital we attract and retain permanent, enthusiastic and dedicated social workers.

“The decision to introduce an additional payment for hard to recruit roles was made in line with the council’s approved market supplement policy. All three recognised trade unions were invited to a meeting to discuss the proposal around the market supplement, but this was not attended by all.”

Social workers in Powys were sent an email on Wednesday morning with a video of the director of children’s services, informing them ‘market supplements’ would be offered to help sections of the department with recruitment difficulties. The £3,000 supplement will be paid after 12 months' work to the selected staff.