Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister of Health to detail any plans to improve the pay and conditions of home care workers, including those employed by private companies contracted to the Health and Social Care Trusts.
Minister of Health: I recognise the vital role that home care workers play in supporting people to live independently in their own homes and communities.
Improving recruitment, retention and workforce sustainability is a key priority within the Social Care Workforce Strategy, which is being delivered through the Social Care Workforce Implementation Board. The Strategy applies to social care practitioners working across Health and Social Care Trusts, independent sector providers, and community and voluntary organisations. It includes actions to strengthen career pathways, improve access to learning and development, support workforce wellbeing, develop leadership capability and raise the profile of social care as a rewarding career.
The previous Minister made a commitment to introduce the Real Living Wage for social care practitioners, recognising that fair pay is an important factor in attracting and retaining staff. My Department continues to work with employers, trade unions and other stakeholders through the Fair Work Forum to support improvements in pay, terms and conditions and to promote fair work principles across the sector. I remain committed to delivering the Real Living Wage.
Improving the experience of home care workers is essential to building a sustainable social care workforce. Through implementation of the Social Care Workforce Strategy and the Fair Work Forum, my Department will continue to work with partners across all sectors to support and value those who deliver this vital care.
ENDS
