CRIES of “Barnet Council, shame on you!” rose outside the London borough council’s headquarters today morning as frontline mental health social workers began another three weeks of strike action.

Barnet Unison secretary John Burgess sported a placard marking the workers’ 38th day of action in the dispute so far.

“There is a crisis in mental health services here in Barnet,” Mr Burgess told the picket-line rally, “and these workers are brave enough to stand up to their employer that’s turning its back not just on the social workers but on service users and families.”

Mental health social workers in Barnet are striking for pay parity with Barnet Family Service workers, arguing low pay has prompted an exodus of experienced social workers — leading to long waiting lists, sometimes over 17 months, for vulnerable people to be allocated a social worker.

Speakers pointed to Britain’s worsening mental health, with a third of young people now reporting mental ill-health, and asked how such a vital service could continue to be under-resourced.

“It says something that some of the most dedicated workers providing one of the most essential services are forced to go on strike,” Labour MP John McDonnell said.

“The council calls itself a Labour council. I’m ashamed of its behaviour.”

Striking workerJaihanne Abdellatif said she hoped Barnet Council would “come to its senses and negotiate with us. We want to work with Barnet, we don’t want to leave and that’s why we’re striking for a fair service and a safe service.”

Barnet Council was approached for comment.