Care sector ‘is vital for our society and our economy’

“The care sector is vital for our society and our economy,” general secretary Dave Prentis declared as he opened UNISON’s first social care seminar in London last week. “Our government and our country must show they care about those who care for our loved ones,” he added. Care is one of the largest industries in the UK – and it faces a mass of problems affecting both carers themselves and those who need care. The seminar, at UNISON Centre in London, followed a decision by the union’s national delegate conference and examined a range of issues affecting both home care and care homes. Care workers, union activists and organisers met in groups to hear about and discuss four areas of concern: making sure employers comply with the minimum wage; UNISON learning in social care; organising in private care providers; the impact of Brexit on social care workers. The seminar heard that stress levels are high among care workers, with 25% reporting that they struggle with finances – but they love the work they do. After discussing the issues, those taking part in the seminar agreed a number of priorities for UNISON: mobilising the workforce; raising awareness of careworkers’ rights and responsibilities; tackling a culture that sees care as a problem, or simply as a market transaction; making sure care workers’ voices are heard; protecting whistleblowers; making sure care workers are being paid at least minimum wage, including travelling time and sleepovers; working ...
Source: UNISON meat hygiene - Category: Food Science Authors: Tags: Article adult social care care sector care workers health and social care homecare homecare workers save care now Source Type: news