STROUD’S MP has accused a care provider of ‘bullying’ and fears the company could close after staff shortages left his constituents unattended.

This follows two Gazette stories in which clients of Guinness Care, and its subsidiary Independent Life Services, stated that they were left without care.

ILS stated that this was due to “unexpectedly high levels of staff sickness at short notice.”

David Drew has now expressed his displeasure and has said that the company’s actions do not represent ‘good practice’.

“Bullying people who are trying to get in contact and address an issue is not a good way to handle what is a social enterprise,” he said.

“From my end, all we have done is hand over the cases brought to us by constituents.

“They just seem to be accusing their clients and not actually confronting issues that may be in the company.

“If they have problems they should be taking care of them.

“It is not good practice, this is a real problem.

“I do have my concerns, the number of staff they have lost and they are a big provider in the Cam and Dursley area.

“With what happened with Cleeve Link, and I don’t like to draw parallels, but things can escalate very quickly, we know companies in the care industry – and it is an industry – can just close overnight.

“And if they don’t make changes, clients are going to walk away from the service.”

Gloucestershire County Council, which has a contract with ILS, reassured members of the public that a number of actions have been put in place following the mishap.

This includes providing respite in a care home to people who have more complex needs, supporting missed visits and sourcing alternative providers.

Cllr Kathy Williams, cabinet member for adult social care at GCC, said: “Our staff are working closely with the Guinness Partnership to make sure that no-one will go without the care they need during this time.

“There is no comparison between the current situation and Cleeve Link,” said Cllr Williams.

“It’s a shame Mr Drew didn’t get in touch with us to find out the situation before going to the press. We are very happy to give him a briefing, if he would like.”

Independent Home Life Services stressed that the service was not at risk of closure and would continue its provision.

“It is totally untrue that we are at risk of closure and we continue to be completely committed to providing high quality care services to customers in the local area now and into the future,” said an ILS spokesman.