Radical reform not empty words needed on social care

Plan to fix care is needed right now

Responding to the government’s minimal reference to social care in the Queen’s Speech today (Tuesday), UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:

“The government cannot continue with empty words. ​Ministers must stop putting off the inevitable. It’s time for action, and a radical plan to fix th​e broken ​care sector.

“Covid has exposed ​the desperate and fragile state ​of social care. Those who rely on care and their families are being ​constantly let down, and ​lowly paid staff feel undervalued and ignored.

“Social care failings have a knock-on effect on the NHS too. ​A world-class system ​is needed, and a government with the ambition and drive to deliver.”

Notes to editors:
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union including in social care. It has 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:  
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk