Care Sector Staff Salaries 2024-11-19
2024-11-19
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Last month's Skills for Care report highlighted that most care workers earn only a few pence above the national minimum wage, making recruitment and retention difficult.
What discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on staff salaries in the care sector? I am concerned about the low pay of care workers as reported by Skills for Care. Will the Minister outline the timetable for establishing the fair pay agreement and adult social care negotiating body?
The Chancellor raised salaries of hundreds of thousands of care workers in the Budget. Legislation was introduced last month to deliver the first ever fair pay agreement for adult social care. We are dealing with this issue, engaging widely with stakeholders and unions will play a central role.
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Assessment & feedback
Timetable for establishing the negotiating body and specific involvement of trade unions
We Are Dealing With This
Engaging Widely
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Last month's Skills for Care report indicated that most care workers earn only a few pence above the national minimum wage, hindering recruitment and retention.
The Skills for Care report highlighted that most care workers are paid just pennies above the national minimum wage. Will the Minister provide the timetable for setting up the fair pay agreement and adult social care negotiating body? Also, will he ensure trade unions' close involvement in its design?
We took quick action on the Employment Rights Bill within 100 days, including the fair pay agreement. The consultation can start once the Bill becomes an Act. We are engaging widely with stakeholders; unions will play a central role in this process.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific timeline and exact assurances of union involvement
Quick Action
Engaging Widely
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
There is a concern that additional employer national insurance contributions are a barrier to better staff salaries in the care sector.
Is the Minister considering an exemption for GP practices, charities and hospices from national insurance employer contributions? This would help improve staff salaries in the care sector.
We inherited public finances in their worst state since WWII. We have taken responsible action through the Chancellor's measures. The Secretary of State said we are looking at the Budget as a whole, and will report on that in due course.
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Assessment & feedback
Exemptions from NI employer contributions for certain organisations
Looking At The Budget
Reporting In Due Course
Response accuracy