CAMPAIGNERS have forced a debate on controversial social care changes after collecting more than 8,000 signatures.

Trade unionists organised a petition against Kirklees Council’s plan to privatise some care for vulnerable adults.

Council carers currently provide intensive help to people with complex needs and a small proportion of routine care.

Kirklees wants to privatise its routine work – meaning the council’s share of the care sector would drop from 17.5% to 15%.

Trade union Unison fears this will lead to a drop in the quality of service for elderly and disabled people.

Campaigners presented a petition of more than 8,000 signatures to last month’s council meeting.

Under Kirklees rules, councillors must debate the proposal at their next meeting – which takes place from 5pm on Wednesday at Huddersfield Town Hall.

Unison’s Yorkshire regional organiser Leonie Sharp said yesterday that privatisation puts vulnerable adults at risk.

She said: “It’s not that private care workers don’t have the same compassion and care, but that they are employed by companies who are in the sector solely for profit.”

She claimed: “They provide limited or no training to their staff in health and safety and staff are often paid the minimum wage.

“The time they have to spend with each client is limited.