An agreement to be signed today (Monday) between UNISON and the London Borough of Croydon promises to deliver improved homecare for residents and more support for the borough’s homecare workers.
The signing takes place on the same day that London mayor Sadiq Khan announces the Living Wage Foundation’s new real living wage rate for the capital at a launch at the British Museum.
The charter commits the council to allocating enough time for home visits so workers have time to talk to clients, not rush off to their next appointment. Visits will be scheduled to meet the needs of the clients so they get the care and support required.
Staff will also receive payment for their travel time between visits and be reimbursed for the costs of travel while at work. Homecare workers will get regular training so they can provide high quality care to clients.
UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said: “I know from personal experience the valuable work homecare staff do, day-in, day-out.
“It allows many people to remain at home when they would otherwise have to be looked after in expensive care homes.
“UNISON is leading the way in highlighting the importance of their work and in fighting to win the pay and conditions they deserve.”
Notes to editors:
- UNISON’s ethical care charter is available here
- UNISON’s report Suffering alone at home can be found here.
- UNISON and the council will sign the ethical care charter between 6-8pm on Monday 31 October at the Sussex Innovation Centre, No1 Croydon 12-16 Addiscombe Road, CR0 0XT.
- The event, Celebrating Living Wage in Croydon, is organised by Croyden Citizens, Good Employers and Croydon Council.
- The national living wage as defined by the Living Wage Foundation is currently £9.40 in London and is due to be increased on Monday 31 October.
- This is above the government’s statutory national minimum wage of £7.20 for people aged 25 and over.
Media contacts:
Karen Westwood T: 0207 535 6608 M: 07903 055 874 E: k.westwood@unison.co.uk