Martin Ford 16 December 2020

One in nine care workers not tested weekly

A government pledge to test all care home staff every seven days is not being met, according to a survey published today.

The trade union Unison found 11% of care workers looking after people aged over 65 and those with dementia had not been given regular swab checks.

Ministers previously pledged that staff would be tested every seven days.

Unison's claim is based on a survey of nearly 13,000 care staff, including those working in residential care, hospices and homecare.

One in ten (10%) also waited more than 72 hours for results, leading to some having to take unpaid leave or sick pay due to the delay.

In addition, 40% of staff had been unable to get a test within the previous four weeks.

Unison assistant general secretary, Christina McAnea, said: ‘Delays and lack of access to testing is putting workers, their families and the people who depend on them at risk.

‘The Government must get a grip on testing, honour its promises and ensure care staff have proper access to checks.'

A Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson said further regular testing had been rolled out since the survey.

They added: ‘From the start of the pandemic we have been doing everything we can to keep care home staff protected including providing free priority testing and personal protective equipment.’

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

Head of Service – Social Care

Wrexham County Borough Council
G15 £63,148 - £67,058 per annum
There is an exciting opportunity within Children Social Care to join the senior management team Wrexham (Wrecsam)
Recuriter: Wrexham County Borough Council

Head of Service Social Work & Specialist Support

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
Grade M scp 60 £72,118 - scp 64 £77,293
There couldn’t be a more exciting time to join us. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Cafe Assistant - Weald Country Park

Essex County Council
Up to £13.3000 per hour
Café Assistant (Weald Country Park)Contract
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Deputyship Caseworker

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £27653.00 per annum + +26 Days Leave & Defined Benefit Pen
Deputyship CaseworkerPermanent, Full Time£25,081 to £27,653 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Shovel Driver Plant Operative - A120 Waste Transfer Station

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £28033.00 per annum + 6% flat rate allowance
Shovel Driver Plant Operative - A120 Waste Transfer StationPermanent, Full Time£25,081 to £28,033 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner