Jobs ‘at risk’ at Helen Ley following takeover

And jobs are also likely to go at Castel Froma, the Leamington-based care organisation that now runs it.

The Courier was told this week that a number of staff at Helen Ley, which provides respite care for people with multiple sclerosis at its Blackdown site, had already taken voluntary redundancy after being told that job cuts would have to be made shortly after the takeover at the end of April.

Castel Froma, a specialist home for people with acquired brain injuries and other neurological conditions – including multiple sclerosis, has since confirmed that its management is “in discussion” with staff about staffing levels at both centres.

Chief executive Robert Pearce said: “We know this is a stressful time for staff as we seek to adjust our resourcing levels to suit the newly combined operations of both centres under one central management team.

“But we are proceeding through the legal processes required by employment law as rapidly as possible and hope to be able to share the conclusions with our teams in the very near future.”

He added: “Remember that what we are attempting to do here is to ensure the long-term future of both centres by rescuing the Helen Ley unit and combining its administrations with that of Castel Froma.

“We are seeking future efficiencies, but are mindful of the need to do so with the utmost sensitivity.”

A spokesman said further details will become available in the coming weeks.