Your editorial on care workers being undervalued and underpaid hits the nail on the head (25 June). There needs to be a long-term workforce plan for adult social care as well as the NHS to enhance the quality of care and support provided by both. We know that social care workers already seek jobs in the NHS – where pay and conditions are better – and an NHS-only plan is likely to exacerbate this. Demand for care workers is already at an all-time high.
The ongoing deprioritisation of social care is a betrayal of the hardworking, skilled individuals who were on the frontline of the pandemic and continue to provide essential care and support for older and disabled people. Our research reveals that 80% of the public believe social care is as important and deserves the same respect as the NHS. Yet the government has cut £250m from promised funding to support its workforce.
We are petitioning the government to benchmark minimum care worker pay with NHS band 3, and provide the necessary funding for local authorities and social care providers. Sign the petition here: www.change.org/social-care-pay
Rachael Dodgson
Chief executive, Dimensions
It’s absolutely vital that we encourage more well-run care recruitment agencies to continue to build their businesses in the UK and not be undercut by cheaper options. I’ve seen many agencies battling for business from care homes on price. It’s a short-termist approach and has led to volatility in the care recruitment sector.
Imagine moving to another country, and not only learning the language but undergoing specialised training and being assigned to work on a complex care package, which is draining both mentally and physically. Pay is low and the hours are unreliable; misinformation encouraging workers to become self-employed is rife. Then you find out that your employer can’t pay you as they are losing money – and you don’t know employment law or where to get help.
In this situation, workers will move jobs for better pay and conditions in a heartbeat. Sadly, this is the condition of the care sector today. It is a frightening situation – and when the bubble bursts, those at the sharp end will pay the price.
Kalvin Morris
Managing director, Elite Care Services