THURROCK MP Jen Craft has welcomed news that Thurrock Council has backed down in its confrontation with local caretakers.

Yesterday (Tuesday, 15 September), Nub News reported on the council capitulation in the caretaker confrontation.

Members of the GMB union had voted for strike action in the dispute over pay and conditions following a planned reorganisation of local services.

However, at the 11th hour, the council gave in.

Mrs Craft said: "I am relieved that Thurrock Council has come to its senses and chosen not to go ahead with proposed changes to caretakers' contracts.

"Having met with GMB representatives, I know our local caretakers provide an essential service that often goes far beyond their day-to-day duties to support vulnerable residents.

"The council remains in a challenging financial situation but losing this vital workforce would have been short-sighted and ended up costing significantly more in the long-term."