CARE workers have been told their pay will be postponed for a month at the company which rescued scores of Southern Cross homes.

Union leaders have attacked bosses at Four Seasons after claiming workers across the UK, including up to 415 in the North East, were told those currently on weekly pay will have to wait a month for their wages as they move to a monthly payroll system.

Officers at the GMB have said many staff are currently paid weekly but now people working from March 12, who should have been paid on the 26th, will go unpaid until April 17 – a wait of 36 days.

Four Seasons say they will make some arrangements to help staff, including meeting any standing orders, and insisted there was nothing wrong with the sudden change.

The firm looks after around 20,000 people nationwide after taking over more than 100 Southern Cross homes.

Bosses this week said they need to repay £780m in September and are seeking £250m of new investment to help meet this deadline.

The GMB has warned it is a case of “out of the frying pan and into the fire” for care home residents.

Union officer Justin Bowden said the firm was now “unilaterally” withholding their wages.

He added: “Four Seasons told staff that 2012 is expected to be bleak. Pay for working on Bank Holidays has also been cut.

“There have been no negotiations with GMB or the staff themselves.

“Since the transfer GMB have not been able to establish any dialogue with the company to understand their finances.”