Laura Sharman 02 December 2014

Home care nearing ‘crisis’ point warns report

Council cuts and poor employment practices means the home care service system is heading towards a 'crisis', a new report is warning.

The report says that many home care workers are being 'exploited', with up to 220,000 staff paid less than the minimum wage. It also finds 60% of care workers are on zero-hours contracts, and staff turnover is more than twice the national average at 20% a year.

The report, chaired by former care minister Paul Burstow and supported by the LGiU and Mears Group, calls for home care workers to be given key workers status and a living wage. It also wants more focus on personalised care and outcomes to reduce poor practice.

‘As publicly funded care continues to be squeezed the danger is that good providers are driven out, and those providers who make a profit by exploiting workers thrive,’ said Mr Burstow. ‘The price of poor care is paid for by the most frail and vulnerable in our community, and by the care workers they rely on who get a raw deal.

‘We must make care work a career of esteem, where a living wage is paid, staff are trained and recognised as valued key workers who contribute a huge amount to society. This will inevitably come at a price, but the cost of doing nothing will be even greater.’

The chief executive of Independent Age, Janet Morrison, said the report highlights the need for the ‘fundamental reform’ of the care system, which has been impacted by years of underfunding.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner