Barnsley Council has responded to the GMB union's announcement of a consultative ballot on industrial action among nursery staff, setting out its position on the planned transfer of six council-run nurseries to a new provider.

The council has been reviewing the six nursery sites since 2024. Last year, Full Council agreed to transfer them to another provider, with the aim of keeping childcare available for families long-term.

What the Council Says the Change Will Achieve

According to the council, the proposal would keep nursery places open and protect jobs while maintaining nursery staff skills in the settings. The new provider would also be able to offer extended childcare options, including care outside term time, at least 30 funded hours of childcare, and places for children from nine months old where available.

The transfer would reduce the amount of council taxpayers' money needed to support the nurseries.

Council Leader's Statement

Cllr William Brown, Leader of Barnsley Council, said: "Families need childcare that works for them. That means local places, more flexible hours where possible, and care for younger children as well as older children."

Cllr Brown emphasised that the council does not have a legal duty to run nurseries. Under the proposal, nursery services would run separately from the council, but the council would still own the buildings and remain the landlord.

Pension Concerns

Cllr Brown acknowledged that the pension issue matters to staff. He said managers initially discussed whether staff could remain in the Local Government Pension Scheme, but further legal advice later made clear that staff are not eligible to stay in that scheme.

The preferred provider is proposing more than the basic statutory pension scheme, which has come through negotiation. Staff will keep all the benefits they have already built up in the Local Government Pension Scheme.

Union Ballot

Two steps must occur before industrial action can take place. First, staff are being asked for their views in a consultative ballot. If members support taking things further, a formal strike ballot may then be held.

Cllr Brown said: "This review has been unsettling for staff. We've been through an extensive consultation, with support from Trade Unions. At the last meeting, trade unions – including GMB - had agreed to move forward on the proposed TUPE arrangements and pension scheme because they protect people's jobs. Given that progress, we are disappointed that GMB has now moved to an industrial action ballot."

Cllr Brown added that the council will "put children and families first" and respects the right to strike.