Laura Sharman 14 September 2021

Union calls for 'new deal' for Shared Lives foster carers

Union calls for new deal for Shared Lives foster carers  image

Councils have been urged to provide a 'pay rise' and respite care for Shared Lives foster carers who look after vulnerable adults in their homes.

Trade union Unite said that while some councils are 'excellent' at supporting these carers, many haven’t received an increase in payments or any paid respite care for at least a decade.

It has published a four-point ‘new deal’ for Shared Lives foster carers that includes providing at least £315 a week for care and support, £100 a week to cover the cost of food and utilities expenses, and housing benefit to be paid in full to carers.

The union also said carers should not be ‘victimised’ if they challenge their pay and conditions.

Unite regional officer, Richard Stanforth, said: ‘Many Shared Lives carers cannot take paid or unpaid holiday, as some councils refuse to provide respite care, and many of them have not had a ‘rise’ in more than a decade which is disgraceful considering the soaring cost of living in recent times.

’Most of the people they care for have learning difficulties, but the schemes have expanded the types of people they will host to include people with mental health difficulties and victims of trafficking.

’They are proud to be ‘Shared Lives’ carers, but some employers have victimised and threatened carers for trying to secure better rights. Their biggest fear is that they will lose the people they care for – many of whom have lived with the carers for years and have become much-loved family members.’

Previous research by Social Finance shows that Shared Lives carers save councils £26,000 per year for every person they look after at home compared to being looked after in a care home.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Positive Journeys Support

Durham County Council
£26,403 - £28,598 p.a. Grade 5
We are excited to be expanding our Positive Behavioural Support Team within County Durham and currently have a 30 hour vacancy and 2x 35 hours vaccnci Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Structures Manager

Durham County Council
£50,269 - £54,495
An opportunity has arisen in the Highways Services for a Structures Manager    WHAT IS INVOLVED?  The post holder will be responsible for providing a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

School Crossing Patrol

Durham County Council
Grade 1 £3,383 (approx.) £12.85 per hour
Join our School Crossing Patrol Service! Are you punctual and reliable? Do you have good communication skills and a strong sense of community spirit? Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Project Support Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 to £39,152 per annum
Are you ready to play a key role in shaping the future of local government? Durham County Council is embarking on an ambitious transformation, and we Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Learning Support Assistants

Durham County Council
£28,142 - £31,022
Learning Support Assistants Grade 6   £28,142 - £31,022 Full Time, Whole Time Temporary  - Required from 1st November 2025 (or sooner  if possible) un Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner