Low-paid workers who care for some of north and east London’s most vulnerable people took part in a lobby for a fair deal over pay today.
Over 400 workers are employed by Outward to provide care and support to people with severe learning disabilities and autism spectrum conditions.
Most of them earn below the London living wage, yet the employer is proposing to cut pay, extend the working week and implement a restructure that staff say will make services less viable.
UNISON members lobbied management to protest against the proposed cuts and to demand a living wage for all staff.
UNISON housing associations branch caseworker Nazan Sen explained: “Staff at Outward are being paid below the living wage and took a pay cut in the last restructure less than three years ago. They do a hard job, which is a lifeline for those they support.”
“If people are not paid enough to live on, they will get a job elsewhere. This will have a direct effect on quality of care for very vulnerable people.
“The London living wage is not an extravagance – it is simply the minimum necessary for a dignified life, and the increasing numbers of employers who pay it recognise the benefits it offers in improving staff morale and retention.”
Support worker Donna Shannon said: “My job means a lot to me, I can see the difference I make every day, but I can’t afford to work for less.”
The lobby took place at Outward’s management offices in Tottenham Hale.
