UNION chiefs have slammed proposals to axe around 20 jobs and close a back-to-work scheme based in Blackburn.

The Lancashire Condition Management Programme (LCMP), which is designed to encourage people with long-term sickness to return to work, has been funded by the Government since 2004.

UNISON said the scheme, which is run by NHS Blackburn with Darwen Teaching Care Trust Plus on behalf of all of Lancashire's primary care trusts, had enjoyed “considerable success”.

And it condemned both the Government plans to halt the funding in March 2011 and the trust’s, as yet, not extending contracts beyond December 31.

Tim Ellis, UNISON’s regional officer, said the programme’s therapists, who often work with people suffering from stress or mental health issues, had been very successful in helping people adapt so they could return to work.

He said: “These redundancies are absolute madness.

“The coalition government does not care about people on long-term absence from work, hence the announcement of the closure of this invaluable scheme.

“It seems bizarre at a time of major cuts, with more people being on the dole and their new incapacity benefit drive, to say we’re going to make these highly skilled people redundant.

“It shows the madness of their approach in their dealings with public services.”

Janet Thomas, a trust director of clinical services, said it was awaiting funding to extend the workers' contracts until March.

She said: “Currently all staff in the LCMP are contracted by NHS Blackburn with Darwen until December 31.

“Funding for the final quarter is expected to be confirmed in the next few weeks by the Department for Work and Pensions.

“Staff are being fully supported in finding appropriate alternative employment and some have already secured new posts.

“The new Government Welfare to Work Programme will replace Pathways to Work.”