A new ethical care charter binding on all councils should be introduced to end a ‘toxic combination of conditions’ for nursing home and homecare staff, a report has recommended.
The charter described in today’s report by former deputy chairwoman of the Monopolies and Mergers Commission, Baroness Denise Kingsmill, would commit councils to ending 15-minute visits, ensure providers paid care workers for their travel time and end the use of zero-hour contracts.
It would also ensure councils and service providers were transparent in their price setting.
Head of local government at trade union Unison, Heather Wakefield, said: ‘The Kingsmill report on working conditions in the UK care sector is a comprehensive programme of recommendations that would begin to redress the exploitation of the homecare workforce.
‘Until these Victorian working practices are stamped out of care altogether it will be impossible to raise the status and standing of care.
‘People who rely on homecare deserve dignity and respect, and the only way to deliver high quality care is to ensure that workers receive adequate training and good quality conditions.’
Jane Harris, managing director of campaigns and engagement at Leonard Cheshire Disability, said: 'We are delighted that the Kingsmill review has recognised the scandal of ‘flying’ 15-minute care visits. People who need help with personal tasks like going to the loo or eating should not be rushed because of squeezed care visits. Disabled and older people and their care workers all suffer from them.'