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

Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer

West Northamptonshire Council
£26914 - £27781
The Revenues and Benefits Administration Officer at West Northamptonshire Council provides essential administrative support across the Revenues and Benefits team. The role involves managing emails, indexing documents, raising orders and supporting financi Northampton
Recuriter: West Northamptonshire Council

Strategic Commissioning Manager (Markets Team Manager)

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Drive real change in your community - shape the future of careDrive real change in your community - shape the future of careAt the Royal Borough of Ke England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid Essex

Essex County Council
£34902.0000 - £50081.0000 per annum
Social Worker - Family Finding, Adoption Mid EssexPermanent, Full Time£34,902 to £50,081 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Sheltered Housing Officer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£33291 - £34291 per annum
Support residents to live independently in safe, welcoming homes - making every day easier, safer and more connected.Support residents to live indepen England, London, City of London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Team Leader

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £32,597 - £36,363
Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner