THE threat of strike action from Newport's home carers was averted yesterday - for the moment.

A meeting of the trade unions representing Newport's home carers with cabinet members of Newport council and council officers was called in an attempt to stop strike action. Newport's home carers had voted by more than 94 per cent in favour of striking over new overtime and bonus payments.

In June Newport council issued termination notices to all its 250 home carers, taking them off their existing contracts, which included enhancements for evening, night-time and weekend working.

It also included a hike in their hourly pay from £5.88 to £6.73 for the average home carer who works around 20 hours a week part-time. Workers claim the new contracts would mean them losing between £70 and £180 a month.

Dominic Macaskill, regional organiser of the union Unison, said that although no agreement was reached, they would meet again in the near future.

Until that time no strike would be called. He said: "We hope that out of the subsequent meeting that, from our point of view, we will be able to avert strike action." The hope is that more detailed talks in the coming week will achieve a positive outcome.

There was due to be a meeting of home carers today so that they can be informed of the latest developments.