Social care workers in England are set to receive a pay increase starting in 2028 as part of the successful Fair Care for All campaign by the Mirror. A groundbreaking Fair Pay Agreement will benefit the 1.6 million individuals in the sector, aiming to enhance care standards for the elderly. Health Secretary Wes Streeting revealed at the Labour Party Conference the establishment of a new entity comprising trade unions and employers to negotiate improved pay, along with an initial extra funding of £500 million.
Addressing the conference in Liverpool, Mr. Streeting emphasized the need to move away from a system characterized by poverty, low wages, and job insecurity. He pledged to support the implementation of a fair pay agreement for care workers, providing better pay terms and conditions with an initial £500 million investment to ensure that those caring for loved ones do not struggle to care for themselves.
Furthermore, the Mirror’s Fair Care for All campaign advocates for adequate staffing and funding in social care. While the government has committed to creating a National Care Service, its establishment has been postponed pending a national review. This delay follows previous administrations shelving or delaying efforts to address the challenging issue of social care funding.
A new body comprising employers and trade unions will be established to make recommendations for both private and public sector workers. Despite some concerns that the £500 million funding may not be sufficient to significantly raise wages, the government has outlined plans to introduce a universal career structure for training and qualifications in social care. This framework will empower unions to negotiate improved pay and conditions collectively across various private care home companies.
Legislation supporting the Fair Pay Agreement is advancing in Parliament through the Employment Rights Bill. Various stakeholders, including the GMB union, view Fair Pay Agreements as a potential transformation in the care sector, aiming to enhance pay, terms, and conditions for workers who play a crucial role in society. Currently, social care workers earn an average of £12 to £13 per hour, with many earning below the Real Living Wage of £12.60.
Looking ahead, the Fair Pay Agreement is seen as a significant step towards addressing wage disparities in the social care sector, with ongoing discussions on the necessary funding levels to ensure meaningful pay increases for care workers. This development comes amid increasing challenges in the industry, including staff vacancies and rising demands for care services.