Damning NAO report ‘exposes government’s lamentable approach to social care’

Responding to the National Audit Office (NAO) report on the social care workforce published today (Thursday), UNISON’s assistant general secretary Christina McAnea said: “This damning report exposes the government’s lamentable approach to social care, which is letting down elderly and disabled people, as well as the dedicated staff looking after them. “Years of underfunding mean local councils can no longer put enough money into care to meet the needs of an ageing population. Elderly and disabled residents, care staff and the NHS are all losing out as a result. Without urgent ministerial action, the sector will continue its slow motion collapse. “Care staff work long hours, doing difficult jobs for pay that’s barely above the minimum wage. Many actually take home an illegal wage because some employers don’t include travel time as part of the working day. “A growing number of local councils have signed UNISON’s residential and ethical care charters, committing them to better pay, quality training and improved levels of care. “But there is a total absence of national leadership from the government. It’s time ministers took their heads out of the sand, spent less time hypnotised by their Brexit dilemmas and started to address one of the most pressing issues of our time.” Notes to editors: – An anonymous care worker case study is available from the UNISON press office. Media contacts: 
 Liz Chinchen T: 020 7121 5463 M: 07778 158175 E: l.chinchen...
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: News Press release adult social care Christina McAnea government minimum wage Source Type: news