The early-intervention workers, employed by Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH), are represented by Unison and Unite. They two unions are taking action over what they say is their employer's failure to improve staffing levels despite the trust's previous commitment to seek new funding to address this.

Staff shortages are not only placing extra pressure on the workforce, but are also harming patient care, according to the unions.

Around 35 workers will walk out for 24 hours from 7am on Wednesday (16 October) affecting services at two NHS sites in Crumpsall and Chorlton.

Unison North West regional organiser Paddy Cleary said: ‘These early intervention mental health workers take their duties seriously, but heavy workloads, insufficient funding, and unsafe staffing levels have left them with no choice but to strike.

‘The trust must protect the wellbeing of both its staff and the vulnerable individuals they support. Securing adequate mental health funding and maintaining safe staffing levels are essential for keeping communities safe.'

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham added: ‘Our members have been left with no choice but to take industrial action to try and protect service levels and patient safety. They have the full backing of Unite in this dispute.

‘Greater Manchester Mental Health Trust need to listen to the anger of their workforce and take immediate action to remedy this situation.'

In response, Carol Harris, chief operating officer for GMMH, said: ‘This action involves our Early Intervention Services in Manchester only. All other services will operate as normal. Actions have been taken to prioritise the care and safety of our service users and their carers.

'Negotiations are under way to understand the actions needed to address the staff members' concerns. We hope to agree a resolution very soon.'