HOME care workers are being put under enormous pressure at work, according to a report by Britain's biggest union.

Unison, the public service union, says poor pay, privatisation and budget cuts are ripping the heart out of home care services.

Kath Hanlon, a home care worker in Redcar and Cleveland for 15 years, said: "We are short of staff and we won't be able to continue providing the professional service that we pride ourselves on, if the council does nothing about it.

"My real worry is that five years down the line when everything has gone wrong, they will realise that they should have listened to home care workers themselves."

Eve Cole, a home care worker since 1993, who works in Eston, said: "Lack of recruitment is a major factor and a lot of calls are now going out to the private sector.

"Workers in the private sector are often moved about constantly, so they cannot have the same daily personal contact that we have built up over the years with clients."

John Farries, director of Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's social services, said that the home care service was under review and Unison was involved.

He said: "This authority has a strong belief in home care and the staff who deliver the service for vulnerable or dependable people, and we want to continue to utilise their experience in the future planning of the service."

Councillor David Walsh, leader of Redcar and Cleveland Council, said: "All Labour councillors are concerned about issues of low pay, and we want to see a better deal for people who work at the sharp end.

"At the same time, we are dedicated to getting the home care service to peak efficiency."