FOUR Seasons Health Care has been brought to the brink of collapse by underfunding in the crisis-hit care system, the GMB union said yesterday.

The government must urgently step in to reassure 20,000 Four Seasons staff and around 17,000 residents and patients across 322 homes as the company’s demise appears imminent, the GMB, which organises care workers, added.

On Tuesday, two of the holding companies behind the firm were expected to appoint administrators after struggling to repay debts.

If Four Seasons goes under, it will be the biggest care homes failure since Southern Cross went bust in 2011.

The company’s plight shows that the government must stop delaying publication of its green paper on social care, the GMB also said.

GMB national secretary Rehana Azam said: “The possible collapse of Four Seasons shows our care system is in crisis. It is crumbling beneath us because the funding isn’t there.

“Lack of funding in the care sector is putting the profession – and all of our futures – in serious danger.

“Throughout our lives, we will all come into contact with care, be it our mums and dads needing help, working as a carer or knowing someone who does. Ultimately, we will all need it ourselves. 

“But instead of taking action, this government keeps kicking the green paper on social care into the long grass.

“Instead of wasting all their time bickering over Brexit, the Conservatives must pledge to step in and make sure Four Seasons facilities continue to operate and give tens of thousands of workers and residents the reassurance they need.”