Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Care Sector: Staff Salaries

Tuesday 19 November 2024 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Chancellor raised salaries of hundreds of thousands of care workers in the Budget.
  • Legislation was introduced to deliver the first ever fair pay agreement for adult social care.
  • The Minister highlighted the central role trade unions will play in the process.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Antonia Bance Lab Tipton and Wednesbury
Social Care Employment
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Stephen Kinnock

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Timetable for establishing the negotiating body and specific involvement of trade unions

How: We Are Dealing With This, Engaging Widely

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Q2 Antonia Bance Lab Tipton and Wednesbury
Care & Healthcare Workers Employment
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Stephen Kinnock

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeline and exact assurances of union involvement

How: Quick Action, Engaging Widely

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Q3 Seamus Logan SNP Aberdeenshire North and Moray East
NHS Taxation Employment
Context

There is a concern that additional employer national insurance contributions are a barrier to better staff salaries in the care sector.

Question

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.

Answer from Stephen Kinnock

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.

Not addressed: Exemptions from NI employer contributions for certain organisations

How: Looking At The Budget, Reporting In Due Course

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