Page 64 - Unfair To Care 2024 - Who Cares Wins

SECTION 8: MOBILISING THE SOCIAL CARE VOTE
Whilst it might be surprising to see such strong recognition for the issues of low pay in social care and the case for change within Parliament, given the systemic challenges that have persisted for decades, it is important to note that representatives across all parties and both houses have recognised the moral, social, and economic impacts of low pay in social care in many reports and committees.
For example, the cross-party parliamentary DHSC Select Committee, when chaired by the Rt Hon Jeremy Hunt MP in 2020, concluded that low pay “devalues social care workers who are often highly-skilled; is
a factor in high turnover rates and high numbers of vacancies; and as a result, undermines the quality and long-term sustainability of social care” 71 and the comprehensive cross-party House of Lords inquiry into adult social care72 concluded that the Government should act to remedy low pay in the social sector.
A PIVOTAL MOMENT
This presents a once-in-a-generation opportunity, with both public and political impetus for resolving the challenges faced by people who work in and draw on social care.
This report’s poll reveals strong respect for social care workers, a recognition in the value of fair pay, and a desire for political action on the issue amongst the public. In parallel, there is clear parliamentary consensus that “the next government must act to improve pay, and terms and conditions for social care workers”, driven by a recognition of the concerns of their constituents, the moral and practical dynamics of unequal pay in a shared system, and an understanding that current rates of pay are unfair.
For too long, the challenges faced by people who work in and draw on social care have been left unresolved and unsupported because of a supposed lack of political or public will. This polling is clear – Parliamentarians understand the case for change and want to support
it; and social care may be an election defining issue for a public whose appreciation of its social care workforce is mirrored by a concern for its stability.
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71. ’Social care: funding and workforce’, House of Commons Health and Social Care Committee, October 2020
72. ‘A “gloriously ordinary life’’: spotlight on adult social care’, House of Lords Adult Social Care Committee, December 2022
IT IS NOW TIME TO EXPLORE THE ROUTES TO DELIVERING THIS CHANGE.