LGA responds to Age UK report calling for care staff pay rise

9 Nov 2020 02:22 PM

Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chair of the Local Government Association Community Wellbeing Board commented on the Age UK report calling for pay parity for care staff with the NHS 

“Care workers have done a phenomenal job in very challenging circumstances to keep people of all ages safe and well during COVID-19 and their dedication and commitment has been rightly acknowledged by the public and politicians alike. But the pandemic has also further highlighted the many longstanding issues around the pay and conditions for those working in the care sector which must now be addressed.

“The legacy of the pandemic must include a new deal for care workers that addresses pay, training and development, career progression and professionalisation and recognition. Any such changes to pay and reward must be fully funded by national government. The upcoming Spending Review must provide councils with the extra funding they need to help shore up social care ahead of winter and get through the second wave of COVID-19, while also using this as the basis for future reform of social care to place it on a long-term, sustainable footing.”

Bring our careforce in from the cold