Islington and Southwark Council have become the first local authorities to ban 15 minutes care visits and ensure fair pay for homecare staff.
The councils have signed up to the Unison Ethical Care Charter, which sets minimum standards for people who need homecare. It commits councils to buying homecare only from providers who give workers adequate time with clients, pay a living wage, allocate clients the same homecare worker where possible and pay workers for travel expenses.
Richard Watts, leader of Islington Council, said: ‘No-one should do a hard day’s work for less than they can live on. Islington Council have signed this Charter to say we reject poverty wages for home carers and say yes to guaranteed employment, London Living Wage and recognition for a job well done.’
Unison general secretary, Dave Prentis, said: ‘Making this commitment to decent employment conditions for care workers is all about improving the quality of life for the people they care for. A living wage and more secure employment will help make it possible for dedicated care workers to stay in the job and focus on giving the best possible care.’
