Leeds Council SEND transport drivers are striking over safety fears.

Union Unite says staff who transport children with special educational needs and disabilities and other vulnerable passengers will strike over safety concerns; Leeds City Council says it is working with the union and will prioritise school transport.

Drivers and other passenger transport staff at Leeds City Council are taking planned strike action in January and February, the union Unite has said. The staff involved include those who transport children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and people travelling to medical appointments and community centres. Unite reported incidents in which staff and some service users were hurt and said workers lack equipment, first aid provision and risk assessments. Leeds City Council said it is working with Unite, has increased staffing in the service and will prioritise school transport. Known details: - Unite said staff and some service users have been hurt on multiple occasions and raised concerns about missing equipment, inadequate first aid and absent risk assessments. - Around 80 staff, including passenger assistants and office support, are reported to be taking part in the action. - Walkouts are scheduled on multiple dates in January and February, beginning on 9 January. - Leeds City Council said it is engaging with the union, stated there have been no frontline cuts in Leeds and said school transport would be prioritised, while the council said it was unclear how services would be affected during the strikes. Summary: Unite reports safety incidents and staffing concerns that prompted members to take strike action. Staff are scheduled to strike on a series of dates from 9 January through February and about 80 workers are involved. Leeds City Council says it is in discussions with Unite and that school transport will be prioritised.