Commenting on Skills for Care’s state of the workforce report, which highlights the importance of international recruitment, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said today (Wednesday):
“These figures show why the swift delivery of a fair pay agreement in social care is more important than ever.
“The slight fall in vacancy rates is welcome. But this could soon change as a result of visa reforms and the continued scourge of low pay for a tough, skilled job.
“Fair pay across the care sector, and proper government investment to bring it about, are urgently needed.
“Higher wages should attract well-trained, professional staff who want to stay in social care. That will reduce turnover and improve the quality of services for some of society’s most vulnerable people.
“The UK remains reliant on dedicated migrant care workers, and they need proper protection from exploitation by unscrupulous employers.
“Introducing a sector-wide visa sponsorship scheme so workers aren’t at the mercy of a dodgy boss would help. And there should be no extension to the qualifying period for leave to remain.”
Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Mark Conrad M: 07809 623703 E: m.conrad@unison.co.uk
The article Report shows urgent need for fair pay and staff protection in care sector first appeared on the UNISON National site.
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