Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Health to detail the current hourly rate of pay for entry-level home care assistants, in each Health and Social Care Trust.
Minister of Health: Statutory Home Care Staff are paid as per NHS Terms & Conditions under Agenda for Change as a Band 3, see below:
| Band | Point on Scale | Effective Date of Hourly Rate | Hourly Rate * |
| 3 | 1 – 2 | 01.04.2025 | £12.75 |
| 3 | 3 – Max | 01.04.2025 | £13.60 |
*AfC rates are notified via DoH circular. The current pay circular came into effect 1 April 2025.
Within the Southern Trust, applicants who do not meet the essential criteria for a Band 3 role are facilitated to start in a training role at Band 2, progressing to Band 3 after a period of training and achievement of competencies. The hourly rate for Band 2 on commencement is £12.71.
The above rates are basic pay and do not include any of the enhancements available to staff for working evenings, weekends or public holidays.
These rates of pay are nationally agreed and the Trust does not have discretion to work outside public sector pay policy in Northern Ireland.
ENDS
