SPECIALIST mental health staff in Manchester staged a 24-hour strike today in protest at “unsafe” staffing levels.

Unison and Unite members, employed by Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust (GMMH), say staff shortages are placing extra pressure on the workforce and are harming patient care.

The staff provide early intervention treatment for people with serious mental health issues. 

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.”

The trust said it had recruited new staff.

“Negotiations are under way to understand the actions needed to address the staff members’ concerns,” it said.