2024-07-19 09:27:33
Fair pay and professional recognition are key to supporting the social care workforce
Hft, the learning disability charity, has fully endorsed calls for the new government to address the issue of low pay in adult social care by seriously considering five national policy options.
A report, released today by the Nuffield Trust and the Health Foundation, examines five national policy options to increase wages for social care workers in England: better minimum wage enforcement, increasing the National Living Wage, bonuses for social care staff, a sector-specific minimum wage, and a national pay scale similar to the NHS’s Agenda for Change.
“Financial challenges that have faced the adult social care sector for years have been compounded by a deep-rooted and systematic crisis in the workforce,” says Steve Veevers, CEO of Hft.
“Our 2023 Sector Pulse Check report, independent research commissioned by Hft and Care England, showed that, despite a rise in international recruitment, staffing shortages remain widespread. Nearly half (44%) of organisations had to turn down admissions due to a lack of staff.
“Vacancy rates across adult social care remain sky-high, serving to increase financial pressure on care providers, with real consequences for the people we support. Providers are forced to pay for agency staff or to try and maintain a competitive pay differential to increase recruitment, even where, as in 79% of cases, Local Authority fees did not cover the rising cost of the National Living Wage (NLW).
“The Sector Pulse Check report recommended that the Government expand the NHS 55% agency cap to adult social care agency staff, or alternatively to permit the routes for adult social care providers to access staff through the NHS arrangements to secure individuals at the capped rate.
“Our long-term vision remains one of a sustainable sector that is financially viable and an attractive destination for staff. While this may seem a distant reality, there are a range of policies at the new government’s disposal that would help turn the tide and put us on the path towards a workable future.
“I sincerely hope the new government will take cognisance of this latest report, reflect on its recommendations and take the opportunity to connect with those of us in the sector to learn the best way forward.
“The challenges are well known; fair pay and recognition, taxation to fund care, skills and training investment, moving care out of hospital closer to home and commissioning practices. In a recent open letter to the Prime Minister, I emphasised the opportunity to cohesively drive change using the sector expertise and the people themselves who draw upon care and support.
“The social care sector stands ready to collaborate with the new government to implement these changes,” says Steve.
Notes to editors
For further information please phone 07500 224654 or email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
