SOLACE Women’s Aid workers have opened a strike ballot in response to “inhumane” conditions and “dangerously high” workloads.

Staff in Barnet, north London, represented by the United Voices of the World (UVW) union are calling for reduced caseloads, the recruitment of additional staff and voluntary recognition of UVW by the charity.

UVW also accused Solace Women’s Aid of reneging on a previous agreement to recognise UVW, made during a dispute in Tower Hamlets earlier this year, where union members are also balloting for strike action.

Solace chief executive Nahar Choudhury said: “Ensuring that survivors receive the highest quality of support and protecting staff wellbeing is our top priority. 

“Solace and the local authorities that fund our services adhere to safe caseload levels, in line with national standards set by Safe Lives.”

She said that Solace made no guarantees regarding the recognition agreement, and has decided against doing so.