Page 10 - Unfair To Care 2024 - Who Cares Wins

SECTION 3: INTRODUCTION
3.
INTRODUCTION
UNFAIR TO CARE PRESENTS A UNIQUE EXPLORATION OF THE PERSONAL, SOCIETAL, AND ECONOMIC IMPACTS
OF LOW AND UNFAIR PAY WITHIN THE SOCIAL CARE SECTOR. NOW IN ITS
THIRD YEAR, THIS REPORT SERIES BY COMMUNITY INTEGRATED CARE, HAS BROKEN NEW GROUND – OFFERING THE FIRST-EVER EVIDENCE-BASED ANALYSIS
OF SOCIAL CARE PAY RATES, AGAINST EQUIVALENT POSITIONS IN THE NHS, LOCAL GOVERNMENT, AND COMMERCIAL SECTORS.
These reports have explored the escalating challenges of a broken system – bringing to life the damage caused by a pay gap that tragically impacts the quality of life of people who draw on social care, places extreme pressures on family carers, constrains the productivity and viability of care providers, escalates an enduring recruitment and retention crisis, and sees countless frontline care and support workers face devastating financial hardships.
Whilst Unfair To Care has always pointed to the inequalities, injustices, and inefficiencies related to the lack of parity of pay – underpinned
by systemic issues in how social care is funded, co-ordinated,
and supported – it has also brought to life the real potential for change. It carries a message of hope and opportunity.
With political will, there is scope to realise a social care sector
that fairly rewards its workforce, provides a sustainable and transformative public service, boosts economic and social prosperity, and ensures that caring can become a viable long-term career.
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THE REPORT HIGHLIGHTS GROWING PUBLIC, SECTOR, AND POLITICAL SUPPORT FOR CHANGE, MAKING AN EVIDENCED-BASED CASE FOR INVESTING IN FAIR PAY TO ACHIEVE A NEW
SOCIAL CARE TRIPLE WIN:
BETTER LIVES FOR PEOPLE WHO DELIVER AND DRAW ON SOCIAL CARE
£ COST-EFFECTIVE AND SUSTAINABLE CARE AND HEALTH SERVICES
ECONOMIC GROWTH AND PRODUCTIVITY