Inverclyde signs up to UNISON’s Ethical Care Charter

Health and social care partnership commits to achieving fair work, better pay and improved quality of care on eve of Living Wage Week

Inverclyde Health & Social Care Partnership has become one of the first in Scotland to sign up to UNISON’s Ethical Care Charter. Inverclyde council formally adopted the charter after on the eve of Living Wage Week.

The council’s adoption of the charter means staff will be paid at least the living sage.

The charter includes a commitment for workers to spend the time they need with clients rather than be restricted to a specific time slot and to be paid for their travel time and costs.

And, where possible, says the council, people will see the same homecare worker and zero hour contracts will not be used in place of permanent contracts.

UNISON Inverclyde branch secretary welcomed the council’s move, saying: “This is an important first step towards fair and ethical employment practices being provided by all home care providers across Inverclyde.

“We are pleased to recognise that Inverclyde Council and Inverclyde Health & Social Care Partnership has become one of the first in Scotland to adopt UNISON’S Ethical Care Charter.

“It clearly demonstrates a shared commitment to achieving fair work, better pay and improved quality of care in the sector in Inverclyde.

“We look forward to working with Inverclyde Council to improve our care services across the region.”

Inverclyde Health & Social Care Partnership chair, councillor Joe McIlwee, said: “For many years we have been developing the homecare service in Inverclyde, putting user-need and quality of care at its centre.

“I am delighted the council and the HSCP’s efforts have been recognised by UNISON and that we have formally signed up to commit ourselves to maintaining those standards.”