Minimum wage for care staff: "No excuse for breaking the law"

ADASS have joined other bodies in condemning the practice of paying any worker less than the statutory, national minimum wage. According to ADASS President Sandie Keene: "we all of us fully understand the serious financial pressures facing the private home care sector. They are no less than those faced by the economy as a whole. But that cannot be used in any way as a justification from breaking the law."

Mrs Keene was responding to a report published by the Resolution Foundation suggesting that up to one in ten care workers is paid less than the current minimum wage of £6.19 per hour.

She said " there is much in the report which ADASS would support such as increasing penalties for companies which break the law, clearer payslips, ensuring care firms include reasonable payment for staff when bidding for contracts and better Government guidance for the social care sector on applying minimum wage.

"However, we continue to dispute that all '15-minute care slots' are inappropriate. There is much evidence that medicines management, just checking, and/or some carer support tasks can be achieved in shorter timescales."

ADASS is joining with partners in Think Local; Act Personal and the Department of Health to commission work on excellence in commissioning for outcomes. This work will enable consideration of key current issues including best procurement practice for home care in the light of our ambition to improve practice n the sector.

Mrs Keene added: " Well supported staff have greater job satisfaction and overall wellbeing. Care providers must take this into account when establishing the pay and general employment conditions of their staff, as we must take it into account when letting contracts for the care of our citizens."