Government should listen to MPs on social care, says UNISON

A new ‘bill of rights’ recommended today (Friday) by MPs for care workers to end low pay and high job turnover rates has been welcomed by UNISON. This key reform has been proposed by the Communities and Local Government Committee (CLG) in a report into the funding and provision of adult social care. The Committee is urging the government to draw up a charter outlining what care workers can expect from employers such as acceptable wage levels. They want this document to be based on UNISON’s ethical care charter, a set of commitments the union developed for councils aimed at improving homecare. UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “Homecare workers are dedicated to ensuring vulnerable and sick people get much-needed support. “However, they’re struggling to get by on unacceptably low wages with many not even paid for the time spent travelling to care appointments. “It’s good MPs have recognized UNISON’s ongoing campaign to get all councils to reward care workers fairly. “We’d now urge the government to act, otherwise the crisis in social care will overshadow everyone’s lives.” Notes to editors: – UNISON’s ethical care charter was developed after a nationwide survey revealed a system in crisis, with a committed but poorly paid and treated workforce. The over-riding objective behind the charter is to establish a minimum standard for the safety and quality of care. This is by ensuring employment conditions do not routinely short-change p...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: News Press release dave prentis ethical care charter local government Source Type: news