UNISON CALLS FOR BETTER TERMS & CONDITIONS FOR CARERS IN PRIVATE SECTOR

For several years UNISON has been highlighting the low pay conditions endured by many workers in the private care sector. We have given evidence to a multitude of reviews. As a result, the exploitation of this workforce has been recognized but no action has been taken to remedy it.

The coronavirus pandemic has brought these issues into the public arena in a dramatic way. It is scandalous that workers in care homes right at the front line of Covid 19 have been left to exist on statutory sick pay when they become ill as a result of the risks they are taking to protect the residents they care so much about.

UNISON Regional Organiser Joe McCusker says that this has to change. “The pay, conditions and safety of all workers in this sector needs a massive boost. If employers can’t or won’t do the right thing then it is time for the health service to step back in to a service that was originally their responsibility but one they were too quick to off load.”

Mr McCusker continued; “UNISON wrote to Northern Ireland's care home providers back in March asking that anyone who had to shield or had tested positive would be offered full sick pay. However, very few of the care home operators have responded. It is a ‘scandal’ that staff at private care homes who test positive for Covid-19 are not offered full sick pay".

UNISON is calling for employers who are prepared to treat their workers with respect to sit down collectively with unions, the Department of Health and Health Trusts to create just a system. The overriding demand should be for quality care delivered by valued, well trained and well paid workforce.