Staff have been left “shocked and worried” about their jobs after Scottish Borders Council announced the current service is to be replaced.
Many carers only found out about the proposed changes after a letter was sent out to service users, saying care providers were to be invited to apply to deliver services under a new framework.
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Trade union officials have now protested about the way the issue has been handled and the lack of consultation.
Unison is now calling on the council to set out clearly what is being proposed, why it is being considered, and what the impact would be on workers, service users and families.
“Unison is deeply concerned by the way Scottish Borders Council has handled this,” said Scottish Borders branch secretary, Kaymarie Hughes.
“Unions were told that a scoping exercise would look at whether there was market interest in taking on some of the care packages currently delivered by the council. We were informed that the number of care packages provided by the council has substantially increased in recent years. Since then, there has been no meaningful update to unions.
“We were therefore shocked to learn that families and some carers had been contacted this week before any proper further consultation had taken place.
“That approach has left staff in a state of shock and uncertainty. We have already been contacted by members who are worried about their jobs, their future and the impact this could have on the people they care for.”
She said Unison believed care should remain in-house and would oppose any move to outsource council services.
“If the council believes there are serious pressures in the current model, it must be open about that and engage properly with trade unions, staff, and families before any decisions are taken,” she said.
“At the heart of this issue is funding. The interests of service users and the workforce are closely aligned. There is a clear need for increased funding to meet rising demand and to support essential improvements across the sector.
“Without proper investment, councils are left trying to manage a growing crisis through short-term fixes. That is bad for staff, bad for families, and bad for continuity of care.
“The council must now set out exactly what is being proposed, publish the evidence behind it and explain what protections will be in place for staff and service users. That must include clear assurances on jobs, pay, terms and conditions, pensions, and continuity of care.
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“Care workers and families deserve honesty, respect and proper consultation. They should not be finding out about possible major changes through abrupt communications that create fear and confusion.”
A spokesperson for Scottish Borders Council said: “We have been undertaking a comprehensive two‑year redesign of care at home services in the Borders. This is intended to improve service sustainability and covers both provision delivered by external partners and by the council’s own Homecare teams.
“From the outset, we have been clear in our commitment to retaining a mixed model of delivery, ensuring services continue to be provided by both external organisations and a council‑operated service.
“In June 2025, all individuals receiving care at home were informed that this review was under way and were invited to provide feedback on their current service.
“At the same time, trade unions and Homecare managers were briefed on the plans, and staff received written information outlining the scope of the review and a set of frequently asked questions.
“The most recent letters issued to service users and staff were intended to provide an update on progress, including confirmation that a tender process has now begun to renew the services delivered by our external partners. Staff were also given further information on the process that will be undertaken as we move forward with the next steps.
“However, we are aware that unfortunately some employees learned of the latest update after visiting service users, despite a communication having been sent out to teams. We recognise that this caused unnecessary concern for staff and, in some cases, for service users, and we apologise for this.
“The service has already begun speaking directly with Homecare staff to provide clarification and reassurance. Further opportunities for staff to meet with managers will take place as a priority, and trade union colleagues will be invited to participate.
“We are taking steps to ensure future communications are issued in a way that avoids this situation arising again.”
