Page 7 - Unfair To Care 2024 - Who Cares Wins

SECTION 1: WELCOME
VIC RAYNER, CEO,
NATIONAL CARE FORUM
“This year’s Unfair To Care report seems more compelling than ever, as we enter a period of potential political change. It shows, sadly, that very little has shifted for care workers in terms of overall pay, recognition and being valued, as well as the knock-on impact this has for those drawing on, or trying to access, care and support. The report’s analysis firmly demonstrates what we in the social care sector have long known – that care workers are simply not being properly remunerated for their skilled work and that this is down to a failure by the state, to both value and invest in social care.
However, the report holds a clear set of perspectives gleaned for the first time from both MPs and the public.
The polling focused on MPs holds up in stark contrast, the lack of direct political action to address the issue of pay within the sector, with consistent strength of feeling MPs expressed, 77% acknowledging that the current rate of care worker pay is unfair and 80% believing the next government must act to improve it.
The views of MPs on the unfair situation facing care workers are echoed by
the public, whose support for fair pay must not be ignored. Politicians and policymakers should heed this polling extremely seriously, as a failure to engage with the ‘social care vote’ could determine victory or defeat in 100 key marginal seats with majorities of less than 10%. The public demands change and the action needed is clear.
When the next election comes, we need politicians and the public to come together with one
RACHEL CACKETT, CEO,
CCPS
“Last year Unfair To Care made its mark in Scotland and CCPS is delighted to provide a foreword to the 2024 research, which we expect to be similarly influential.
Recently we’ve shared the voices of support workers, reflecting on the impact a pay rise would have – stories echoed in this report. They told us care work is highly skilled, and that a fairer wage would help not just them, but
all those they support. It is often felt that care workers “hold people’s lives in their hands’” and yet, from April in Scotland, they will be paid just £12 p/h, an ‘increase’ that does no more than track the updated Real Living Wage.
This report, and those Support Workers’ views, make clear the change genuine investment could bring: strengthened communities, more jobs, and better understanding within our public discourse of the need for parity. In
that light, we’re encouraged by the finding that 70% of the public think social care workers should be paid the same as their NHS equivalents.
This year we will continue efforts alongside our valued members, including Community Integrated Care, to influence the Scottish government to act on Fair Work – and this report will be an important asset in the case we make.”
MATT PRICE, INCLUSION ASSISTANT, COMMUNITY INTEGRATED CARE
“My name is Matt, and I have Autism. I work as an Inclusion Assistant
at Community Integrated Care.
My life has changed dramatically over the past few years. I’ve made friends, participated in national events, and gained confidence beyond what I thought possible.
But it wasn’t always like this.
Before I found Community Integrated Care, I lacked hope and struggled with my well-being and self-esteem. I rarely left the house and didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life.
But thanks to our charity, everything changed. Their innovative approaches to support and community initiatives have helped me discover my
hidden skills and purpose.
Now I see firsthand, people leading amazing lives, thanks to brilliant, committed Support Workers. However, I also see the problems facing our sector. The recruitment crisis threatens our support networks. With skilled care professionals being unable to afford to stay in jobs they love, lives are being disrupted and opportunities lost.
I can’t emphasise enough how important this report is. Fair pay isn’t just about money; it’s about ensuring people’s rights and improving people’s lives. Paying Support Workers a fair wage and recognising them for the work they do, will undoubtedly have
a ripple effect, positively transforming the lives of thousands of people,
like me, who access social care.”
7 voice and speak up for care.”
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