Commenting on the Public Accounts Committee report into the adult social care market published today (Wednesday), UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:
“Time and again the hand-to-mouth care system is shown to be broken.
“It’s crying out urgently for radical reform and proper investment. The Prime Minister can’t go on kicking this problem down the road.
“All too often during the pandemic, social care’s been treated as an inconvenience rather than a vital public service.
“The report’s conclusion that the Department of Health and Social Care was ‘complacent’ about the collapse of providers will be distressing for those receiving care and for their families too.
“Care is too important to be left to the whims of the market. It should be publicly funded and run, with a long-term staffing plan.
“This must recognise care work is skilled, tough and those who do it deserve far better than the poverty wages they’re paid.”
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 both the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
