NEWPORT home carers are threatening to strike if the council cuts weekend pay rates.

Today, carers picketed the civic centre as cabinet members met to discuss the changes.

Dominic MacAskill, regional organiser for trade union Unison, said the council wants to scrap higher pay rates for weekend work.

Newport has about 200 carers who look after the sick and elderly in their homes by providing personal care, safety and comfort.

Mr MacAskill said: "Home carers earn £5.88 an hour basic pay but receive enhancements for weekend working of time and a half for Saturdays and double time for Sundays. The council is proposing to scrap the enhancements and bring in a marginally higher consolidated rate of pay.

A large number of home carers would lose out financially." Shift patterns would also change and Mr MacAskill said workers at Wellwood House in Ringland could be hit by lower pay.

A care worker, who asked not be named, said: "As a single mum, I depend on the enhancement to bring up my family. I could lose £200 a month. I often get up at 5.30am to start work and the day can be very challenging. Many carers are against this and we are ready to strike." On Wednesday, carers voted for strike action if the council did not change its mind.

A spokeswoman for Newport council said: "The package will benefit the majority of employees who will have a better rate of pay, improved job security, and better training and support.

Those who used Home Care said that while they valued the high standard of care, they would like to see a more flexible and responsive service.

"The council therefore invested a significant amount of money to restructure the service putting the care and needs of Newport's older people first."