Southwark speech and language therapists to strike over job losses

Unite said the strike action, which is due to take place on 3 February, is as a result of concerns about the impact of job losses on vulnerable children.

In total, eight speech and language therapists and three assistants working in Sure Start children’s centres, schools and community clinics across south London are set to lose their jobs.

Richard Munn, Unite regional officer, said: "Our members who work with children with speech, language and communication difficulties have decided to take a stand against the cuts being made, which will have a detrimental effect on some of the most vulnerable children and families in our society.

"There is clear evidence that when communication problems are not addressed at an early stage it is far harder to address in later life. Undetected and untreated speech, language and communication problems can lead to low levels of literacy, poor educational attainment and difficulties finding employment."

Unite is also warning that other speech and language therapy services are being affected across the country.

2011 has been designated as the National Year of Communication, a campaign led by the Communication Trust to raise awareness about the importance of communication skills for children and young people.