Stand Up For Social Care

“The government doesn’t understand social care. If ministers had even a basic grasp of the sector, they would have reformed it long ago. But instead, the inept approach to the awarding of care visas has given dodgy employers total freedom to exploit overseas staff at whim." UNISON head of social care Gavin Edwards commenting on the report by David Neal, previous inspector of borders and immigration, on the social licensing scheme for care worker visas. “Thankfully, many migrant care workers are becoming wise to poor treatment by some of the more unpleasant operators in the sector. “Things have got so bad that many migrant workers may head for other parts of the world where their skills will be welcomed with open arms. The government has failed everyone in care – the good employers, the staff and all those in need of support.”

Care has gone into a tailspin under this government. There has been a litany of broken promises and a complete absence of action. The new #SocialCare360 report by @TheKingsFund reveals more people requesting social care report, but fewer people receiving it. “Care has gone into a tailspin on this government's watch. A litany of broken promises and a complete absence of action best sums up ministers' appalling neglect of the sector,” UNISON head of social care @GavinEdwards77 “Cash-strapped local authorities have been pushed ever closer to the edge by spiralling care costs. “The blame for the crisis in care lies entirely with the government. Ministers have failed to ensure council funding bears any relation to the harsh economic reality. “The sector simply doesn't have the staff to meet growing demands. Care workers are quitting for better-paid jobs on the high street, leaving employers increasingly reliant on staff from overseas. “The next government must make care the priority it's never been. Labour has promised a national care service and crucially, a fair pay agreement in care. “Raising wages in this way won't solve all the sector's problems. But it will be an important first step that employers, staff and those being supported will all be able to get behind.”

Care sector couldn’t function without its migrant workforce, says UNISON New figures from the Home Office show an increase in the number of health and care visas issued. “The government has let social care get into such a dire state that the sector can no longer function without overseas workers to fill the huge gaps in staffing," UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea @cmcanea “Instead of grappling with the real problems by funding social care properly and tackling the exploitation of migrant staff, ministers now want to make matters even worse by stopping potential carers from bringing their children here with them. “Major reform of care is long overdue. But until care workers are paid at rates that better reflect the skilled jobs they do, the sector will struggle to recruit at the levels needed to meet growing demand. A national care service and a fair pay agreement for care staff is the only answer.”

It was great to join @cmcanea @wesstreeting @GwynneMP & many @UKLabour colleagues at the launch of @unisontheunion National Care Service pledge last night. #letsmakecarework

I’m supporting @unisontheunion in its campaign for a National Care Service.

Proud to sign my union's pledge to support decent pay for careworkers in a national care service. @unisontheunion

Proud to be at the launch of @unisontheunion National Care Service Pledge with @cmcanea .The current system of social care is broken. We need to treat care workers and people receiving care with respect. #LetsMakeCareWork

On Saturday, Greater Manchester Mayor @AndyBurnhamGM met with UNISON care workers 🤝 He listened to their concerns and to assured them that care will be a top priority in his next mayoral manifesto 💪