Care Homes

Dear GMB Member

The Future of Four Seasons Health Care

The uncertainty surrounding your employer over the last year has been a running sore and is a case in point of the challenges facing our care sector members.

Following administration earlier this year, we know that FSHC is carrying major debt and there is significant uncertainty surrounding the private equity holding companies with interests in the business.

In short, these companies are juggling the debt, while the business is either sold or sliced.

As of Wednesday 11 December, we learned this process was already well underway, with 17 homes in Scotland now under the operation of Care Concern Limited. We also understand, FSHC are attempting the re-negotiation of its rent on a further 11 homes.

FSHC have been in dialogue with COSLA and Scottish Government representatives but directors have moved to cut your trade unions out any dialogue. They have offered no consultation. It begs the question: What have they got to hide? 

One thing is for sure, going from one private equity owned care firm to another is like shuffling deckchairs on the Titanic and will do nothing to address the growing crisis across the Scottish social care sector.

That’s why we have written to the Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Health, Jeane Freeman MSP, urging her to meet with us and to intervene in this process because the current situation is unacceptable. You can read our letter here:

https://tinyurl.com/qvb3nea

You need assurances over their future of your jobs, terms and conditions. Service users and their families need guarantees their care will continue unobstructed.  FSHC need to come clean with all of us.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me on 07710 618901 or email kirsty.nimmo@gmb.org.uk

 Kirsty Nimmo

GMB Scotland Organiser