Leeds signs up to care charter

Leeds has become the latest council to sign up to UNISON’s Ethical Care Charter.

The Yorkshire city is also one of the largest local authorities to back the charter, which it signed on May Day.

The charter is part of the union’s Save Care Now campaign and commits the council to ensure that carers do not have to rush from client to client and that people should keep the same carer wherever possible.

It also commits employers to provide guaranteed hours contracts as the norm rather than zero hours contracts, to pay for travel time and a target of paying at least the living wage of £7.85 a hour.

There is also a commitment to providing training.

The signing took place at UNISON’s Yorkshire and Humberside regional office in Leeds and saw council leader Keith Wakefield put his signature to the charter alongside Adam Ogilvie, the councillor responsible for adult social care and union assistant general secretary Cliff Williams.

“We know how tough it is when budgets are under so much pressure,” said Mr Williams, “so we are particularly pleased Leeds City Council has been able to adopt UNISON’s Ethical Care Charter.

“It shows a clear commitment that staff are properly rewarded and respected for the work they do with vulnerable people in our communities.

“Home care workers are dedicated to providing the best care that they can.

“The council’s adoption of the charter enables good employment conditions and quality training, which helps to reduce staff turnover and improve the quality of care for service users.”

 

Ethical Care Charter

Save Care Now campaign

UNISON in local government

UNISON Yorkshire and Humberside

Leeds City Council