New funding brings temporary relief to care but much more is needed, says UNISON

Without a long-term plan to solve care’s staffing crisis, the sector will remain many thousands of employees short. 

Responding to the government’s announcement of a £600m package for social care, UNISON assistant general secretary Jon Richards said: “A cash injection might offer temporary relief to the woefully underfunded and broken care sector, but it does nothing to address its huge problems.  

“Without a long-term plan to solve care’s staffing crisis, the sector will remain many thousands of employees short. 

“The government must work with councils, unions and care employers to establish the national standards and funding arrangements that are desperately needed.

“Only a national care service, that’s fully integrated with the NHS and properly resourced, will be able to focus on ensuring people receive the care they need.”

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:
Fatima Ayad M: 07508 080383 E: f.ayad@unison.co.uk
Liz Chinchen M: 07778 158175 E: press@unison.co.uk