The Homecare Association welcomes the findings of Social Care Wales' second annual 'Have Your Say' workforce survey. This highlights both progress and ongoing challenges in the social care sector.
It is encouraging to see that social care workers feel more valued this year. The survey, however, underscores persistent issues around well-being and pay that align with findings in our own Workforce Survey 2024.
Our research showed that staff retention has improved, as 44% of providers have seen a decrease in careworker turnover compared to last year. However, recruitment continues to be a major challenge. Low fee rates from public bodies; lack of guaranteed hours; and unattractive terms and conditions, continue to be major barriers to recruiting and retaining staff.
Dr Jane Townson OBE, CEO of the Homecare Association, said:
"The findings from Social Care Wales mirror what we're seeing across the UK. It's heartening that care workers feel more valued, but there are still problems with pay and working conditions. Our own research shows that 88% of providers need to offer pay of £12 per hour or more to attract applicants. Many, however, struggle to do so because of inadequate funding from local authorities and the NHS. We urgently need government action to address these challenges."
The Homecare Association calls for:
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The Welsh government to provide adequate and ring-fenced funding to local authorities and health bodies to enable them to pay a fair price for care. This will allow employers to offer competitive wages and improve working conditions.
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A National Contract for Care Services with a minimum price for homecare. The government must require public bodies to pay fee rates which cover the true costs of care delivery and fund them to do so.
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Commissioning approaches to shift from time-and-task models to outcome-focused care. Payment methods must support greater employment security for care workers.
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The government to address rising costs of car insurance and mileage, and reward the use of lower emission and electric vehicles in homecare.
These actions are vital to create a sustainable and high-quality homecare sector to meet the increasing demand for care services in Wales and the UK.
[ENDS]
Contacts
Dr Jane Townson OBE, CEO, Homecare Association
Email - [email protected]
Mobile number - 07393 012 113
Notes to editors
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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.
