A social worker's union has spoken out about the impact of financial cutbacks on child protection services. NIPSA say some of its members are concerned about the cutbacks, and have written to the chief executive of the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, highlighting staff shortages and administrative gaps. It said the trust has to stop its policy of cutting back front line services.

The Belfast Trust disagreed, and said its number of vacancies were within normal levels. The union's officer representing the health sector, Kevin McCabe said that cases like the Baby P case in Haringey had caused a high level of scrutiny of the child protection policy, and the trust need to invest more in childcare services.

Mr McCabe said: "Belfast Trust must face up to its responsibilities to protect children, support families and discharges its corporate parenting responsibilities. Clearly from NIPSA's point of view we will continue to make ourselves available for discussions on these issues at any stage. But given the seriousness of the situation we must emphasise our commitment to using any and all means necessary to protect public services and the NIPSA members struggling to deliver them."

However, a spokesperson for the Belfast Trust said its staff turnover was normal, and that child protection is one of its top priorities. The spokesperson said: "The Belfast Trust has a robust system in place for ensuring effective recruitment and selection of staff to vacant posts. At present the Belfast Trust vacancies in child care are within normal levels and are kept constantly under review."