Embargoed until 00:01 12 November 2024
The Homecare Association acknowledges the concerning findings published today in the King's Fund report "'I can't see myself doing this forever': Younger people's experiences of working in adult social care."
Care work requires a high degree of emotional maturity and resilience, which is not necessarily related to chronological age. The challenging experiences reported by young care workers in this study are deeply disappointing. We state unequivocally that bullying and harassment have no place in our sector.
Dr Jane Townson OBE, CEO of the Homecare Association, said:
"The experiences detailed in this report are very troubling. Every care worker, regardless of age, deserves to work in an environment where they feel valued, supported, and able to thrive. While many providers are committed to delivering excellent training and supervision, the reality is that chronic underfunding by successive governments has made this increasingly difficult. Currently, only 1% of public bodies are paying enough to cover the costs of meeting statutory requirements and delivering good quality care in a financially sustainable way. We urgently need government action to ensure sustainable funding that enables providers to invest in their workforce and deliver the high-quality care that people deserve."
Recent budget measures will further strain already stretched resources. To address these challenges and create a more supportive environment for all care workers, we call on the government to take immediate action:
- Exempt homecare providers from changes to employer's national insurance contributions'.
- Provide an immediate cash injection to cover the increase in employment costs resulting from budget decisions.
- Ensure a multi-year funding settlement for social care to meet future demand and cover the full cost of care (estimated £18.4 billion needed by 2032/33).
- Implement a National Contract for Care services that sets a minimum price for homecare to ensure public sector commissioners pay the full cost of quality care.
The dedication shown by care workers of all ages deserves to be matched by proper funding and support. Without urgent government action, providers will continue to struggle to provide the working conditions that enable all care workers to thrive.
[ENDS]
Contacts
Daisy Cooney, Head of Policy, Practice and Innovation
Email - [email protected]
Mobile number - 07393 012 113
Notes to editors
- The Homecare Association is the UK’s membership body for homecare providers, with over 2,200 members nationally. Our mission is to ensure that homecare receives the investment it deserves, so all of us can live well at home and flourish within our communities. The Homecare Association acts as a trusted voice, taking a lead in shaping homecare, in collaboration with partners across the care sector. It also provides hands-on support and practical tools for its members. The Homecare Association's members agree to abide by the Association's Code of Practice.
