Commenting on the Social Care 360 report, published today (Wednesday) by the King’s Fund, UNISON head of social care Gavin Edwards said:
“Care has gone into a tailspin on this government’s watch. A litany of broken promises and a complete absence of action best sums up ministers’ appalling neglect of the sector.
“Cash-strapped local authorities have been pushed ever closer to the edge by spiralling care costs.
“The blame for the crisis in care lies entirely with the government. Ministers have failed to ensure council funding bears any relation to the harsh economic reality.
“The sector simply doesn’t have the staff to meet growing demands. Care workers are quitting for better-paid jobs on the high street, leaving employers increasingly reliant on staff from overseas.
“The next government must make care the priority it’s never been. Labour has promised a national care service and crucially, a fair pay agreement in care.
“Raising wages in this way won’t solve all the sector’s problems. But it will be an important first step that employers, staff and those being supported will all be able to get behind.”
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:
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
Anthony Barnes M: 07834 864794 E: a.barnes@unison.co.uk
