Government action on pay holds the key to care staffing emergency

Commenting on the state of social care report published today (Wednesday) by industry body Skills for Care, UNISON senior national officer for care Gavin Edwards said: “Care is in crisis but there’s a simple solution. A proper pay rise for staff. Otherwise, many elderly and disabled people could be without crucial support. “With the minimum wage the norm in care, it’s no wonder workers are leaving in droves for more lucrative, less stressful jobs elsewhere. “The government says employers struggling to recruit should pay more to attract staff. This is exactly what’s needed in social care and ministers have it within their gift to sort. “This care staffing emergency could be ended almost overnight if the real living wage became the base rate across the entire workforce. “Experienced staff would be more likely to stay, new recruits easier to attract and decent care available to all who need help.” Notes to editors: – UNISON is the UK’s largest union with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors. Media contacts:   Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E:  press@unison.co.uk Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk The article Government action on pay holds the key to care staffing emergency first appeared on the UNISON National site.
Source: UNISON Health care news - Category: UK Health Authors: Tags: Article Source Type: news