The Homecare Association has long campaigned for improved pay and working conditions for care workers. The government’s focus on workers’ rights, skills and further education is welcome. Measures such as banning zero-hour employment contracts and ensuring rights to sick pay and parental leave from day one, though, come at a cost. Homecare employers will struggle to cover these costs without extra government investment.
Councils and the NHS purchase 70 percent of homecare hours. On average, staff costs make up 70 percent of every hour of homecare delivered. The amount homecare providers can spend on wages and training thus depends on the fee rates they receive. Council and NHS budgets are under severe pressure, leading them to ration care and cut costs. Zero-hours commissioning at low fee rates leads to insecure employment and limits investment in the workforce. Our data show only 5 percent of public bodies are paying enough to ensure payment of the minimum wage and quality, sustainable services.
CEO of the Homecare Association, Dr Jane Townson OBE commented:
“Improving workers’ rights and employment experience in the care sector is paramount if we are to meet needs. Care employers need higher fees and secure contracts from councils and the NHS to provide better pay and working conditions. This requires government investment.
Focusing on employment practices without also improving funding and commissioning risks unintended consequences.
We call on the government to invest in homecare so we can all live well at home and flourish in our communities.”
ENDS