Care workers will rally in Doncaster, South Yorkshire, this weekend to mark the end of their latest two-week strike over savage attacks on their pay and conditions by privateers.

The 150 staff were employed by the NHS and contracted to Doncaster Council to help people with mental health problems and learning difficulties to live independently.

Tory legislation forces councils to put such contracts out to tender. The Doncaster contract was won by privateer Care UK who narrowly undercut the NHS bid.

Within weeks of the jobs transferring to Care UK the firm announced plans to axe wages by up to £7,000 a year and attack working conditions including the loss of eight days’ holiday and huge cuts in sick pay.

The workers voted to strike and have so far taken 34 days of strike action.

Management has responded by bringing in scab labour which is being put up in hotels.

Unison regional organiser Jim Bell said: “This strike is gaining national attention and when people realise how Care UK treats its most important asset, the skilled and dedicated staff who devote their lives to caring for society’s most vulnerable people, they are shocked.

“The events this weekend will show the wide public support that exists for these strikers. Donations to the strike hardship fund are flooding in from all parts of the country.”

Saturday’s event starts at 2pm outside Doncaster Civic Centre with a march through the town centre. On Sunday there will be a rally at Doncaster Trades and Labour Club from 11am.