A trade union has recently called for minimum wage to be increased for social workers.
It says social care workers should be paid a minimum of £15 an hour in order to account for the cost of living crisis in the UK.
With the average salary for care staff currently standing at £9.50 an hour, we’ve seen numerous people quit their job in social care to work in better paid sectors such as retail.
According to Skills For Care, more than 80% of roles in the independent sector pay more than the average independent care worker wage.
Indeed, there are growing concerns that the social care sector will never recover should pay remain at the same rate it is today.
UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea says: “Put simply, wages are much too low. The social care sector won’t get back on its feet and deliver the support needed by millions if it can’t pay the rates needed to attract, keep and promote experienced care workers.”
She is pushing for “grown-up decisions on funding'' in order to combat the seemingly ceaseless NHS backlog for care.
In September, it was announced that there would be a 10.1% increase in Real Living Wage, marking the largest year-on-year rise on record. In the UK, hourly rates are rising to £10.90 and to £11.95 in London to support workers and families.
While we are seeing progress, it is evident that the social work sector is still in a state of crisis and needs further funding.
Here at Imperium Solutions, we support the call for better pay for social workers and appreciate their hard work and continuous dedication.
Looking for a new role? Check out our current vacancies here.
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