Expected closure of Age UK charity’s service puts more than 100 jobs at risk

Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin is looking to close its home support service putting 119 jobs at risk.

The charity is no longer accepting new referrals to its Help at Home and Trusted Companion services, with the support expected to cease by the end of August.

The decision puts 109 support workers and 10 operational roles at its office in Shrewsbury at risk of redundancy. A formal consultation process is to take place with impacted staff.

Staff involved will also be offered support, including access to counselling and help finding alternative employment.

The home support service’s expected closure “follows an extensive review of the service and comes after months of exploring alternative options to maintain provision”, states the charity in a statement.

It also follows “significant financial challenges” and the ending of funding from Shropshire Council.

“Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin remains committed to delivering its other services and says the decision has been taken to help secure the charity's long-term future and ensure continued support for older people,” adds its statement.

The home support service been run for more than 20 years by the charity and supports around 1,000 older people in the country to help them remain independent at home and with practical support with housework and shopping.

“This has been one of the most difficult decisions the charity has ever had to make,” said the charity’s chief executive Clare Davis.

“For the past six months we have carefully examined every possible option to keep the Help at Home service running, but unfortunately, we have reached the point where it is no longer financially viable to continue.”

She added: “We know this news will be unexpected or upsetting for many of the older people who rely on the service and for their families.

“Supporting older people remains at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to ensuring everyone affected receives clear information and support throughout this process.”

“All clients will shortly receive a personalised letter explaining what this proposal means for them and outlining the services they currently receive that may be affected.”