The GSD says the stated intention by Unite the Union’s GHA members to stage a walkout tomorrow in protest to the use by GHA of labour recruitment agencies to fill vacancies is a symptom of much wider discontent on the same issue.

A spokesman for the GSD said: "The GSD has been asking questions of Government in relation to the use of companies to recruit parallel labour or supply workers into different sectors of the public service for some time. Whether it is Meddoc, GHC or S&K Recruitment similar issues arise of recruiting parallel quasi-permanent labour or supply workers to work alongside permanent civil service or public service posts on different terms. This practice can be pervasive and erodes workers’ rights as well as security of employment. It also – importantly – can affect the quality of the service provided to the public.

"As at 31 December 2017 there were, for example, over 330 people who were employed within either GHA, the Care Agency or the Elderly Residential Service via labour supply agencies."

GSD Leader, Keith Azopardi said: “In that context the GSD understands and supports the concerns expressed by UNITE that have led to its decision to take a stance in relation to this matter. Apart from that the whole recent saga concerning Meddoc and Grand Home Care raises serious questions of accountability, transparency, quality and value for money in the procurement of public contracts. These are all issues that require serious examination and an overhaul of the way things are done by the Government.

"People don’t stage walkouts for no reason. Clearly the Union and workers feel that insufficient progress is being made despite the meetings held with Government. The wider issue of staff morale also needs addressing as this is not good in terms of crucial front-line services in health or care of the elderly.”

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