Commenting on new measures to boost the status and careers of social care workers announced by health secretary Wes Streeting at UNISON’s annual health conference in Liverpool today (Wednesday), the union’s general secretary Christina McAnea said:
“Improved learning, training and development opportunities and a clear career path for care workers are good moves for the government to make.
“For too long, the social care system has operated without the shared standards or funding to allow proper investment in skills and qualifications.
“That’s left many working in care frustrated that their NHS colleagues don’t always recognise their expertise.
“But these new opportunities still rely on a fragmented, profit-driven sector. For reforms to make the biggest difference, workers need a fair pay agreement and better still, the national care service that’s been promised.”
Notes to editors:
– Health secretary Wes Streeting spoke at UNISON’s annual health conference this morning at the ACC Liverpool, Kings Dock Street L3 4FP. Health workers from across the UK have been attending debates on a variety of motions including NHS pay, a greener NHS, bank staff, support for migrant workers, mental health, sexual safety, problems with NHS salary scales, and safe staffing.
– 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
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk
