Martin Ford 27 April 2022

Advisers call for minimum pay to ease care workforce crisis

Advisers call for minimum pay to ease care workforce crisis image
Image: SeventyFour / Shutterstock.com

Ministers should fix a minimum level of pay for care workers to help ease the current workforce crisis, advisers have said.

The Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) said the Government should foot the bill for a minimum rate of £10.50 per hour for care workers in England - estimated to cost the Government £1bn.

It was tasked by the Government with looking at the impact of ending freedom of movement on the care sector.

MAC's report concluded: ‘The challenges the sector faces predate the ending of freedom of movement and the underlying problem has been and continues to be the underfunding of the social care sector.’

However, the MAC also recommended that the permanent addition of care workers to the health and care worker visa and shortage occupation list.

Speaking after the publication of the report today, committee chair Brian Bell warned addressing immigration barriers was not a ‘silver bullet’ and would not be enough without raising pay.

He continued: ‘That would have very little fundamental effect on the crisis in the social care workforce unless it’s addressed financially - nothing else will do the job.

‘It has to be part of a longer-term strategy for workforce planning.’

While fixing a minimum level of pay would only apply to public sector jobs, Prof Bell said he believed it would pile pressure on the private sector.

He added: ‘I think it would immediately have some impact.

'It will make the sector more competitive.'

The Government will consider the committee’s findings before issuing a response.

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Data, Monitoring and Citizen Science Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 10 £37,035 to £40,476 p.a. (Pay Award Pending)
We are looking for an organised and reliable individual to join our team here at the North Pennines National Landscape in Stanhope for a period of 15 Stanhope
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Enhanced Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Enhanced Teaching Assistant Grade 5, £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata 37 hours per week, Term Time only + 2 weeks Permanent     Required from 1st September Ferryhill
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Structures Commissioner

Derbyshire County Council
Grade 14 £53,166 - £59,080 per annum (Pay Award Pending)
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our team as the Structures Commissioner. Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council

Rough Sleeper Outreach Officer - WMF2139e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£31,067 - £31,586
We have an excellent opportunity for a motivated candidate to apply for the role of Rough Sleeper Outreach Officer. Penrith, Cumbria
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Customer Operations Assistant

Wyre Borough Council
£12.26 Per Hour
Marine Hall is a vibrant and dynamic venue dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences for our audiences and customers. Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancashire
Recuriter: Wyre Borough Council
Linkedin Banner