UNISON Carers Shine Spotlight On Low Pay In Homecare, UK

Main Category: Caregivers / Homecare
Article Date: 12 Sep 2010 - 1:00 PDT


Three carers, employed by a private company in Norfolk, will today give evidence to the Low Pay Commission in London, to tell of their fight to tackle pay anomalies that left them struggling to earn the minimum wage for the hours they worked.

The carers were paid a set amount per call, rather than a straightforward hourly rate. Not paying travel time is commonplace in the UK care sector, and can see staff lose up to fifteen minutes pay for every hour they work.

With UNISON's backing, the women won their battle to be paid for travel time, but others in the sector are still waiting. A lack of clear rules governing pay in homecare, mean that workers can still be effectively paid below the minimum wage.

The case highlights the need for the minimum wage enforcement agency to clear up the confusion, and tackle complex pay structures in homecare agencies. UNISON, the UK's leading trade union is also calling for enforcement to be beefed up and targeted to vulnerable sectors where there are large numbers of migrant workers.

Dave Prentis, UNISON General Secretary, said:

"The carers visiting the low pay commission in London today have fought hard for pay justice, and they have a new employer that recognises UNISON. They now get paid for travel time and that has boosted average wages by £200 per month - a lot of money for any worker, but particularly for those on low pay.

"The UK care sector employs more than 100,000 people and many are denied paid travel time. The sector is dogged by pay problems, bad terms and exploitative practices. Many carers do not get paid for using their cars, or mobile phones, don't get sick pay, and have access only to very basic training.

"A bad situation is made worse by cost cutting local authorities who sell care slots off to the lowest bidder.

"It is vital that the NMW enforcement agency stamps out the confusion and issues best practise guidance for paying home carers. Public bodies must also make sure they do not contract out care to unscrupulous employers who exploit their staff and short-change elderly and vulnerable people who rely on their help. Targeting homecare agencies would also help to protect vulnerable migrant workers."

The carers visit is part of the union's submission to the Low Pay Commission consultation on the minimum wage. The union is also calling for:

- The budget for the NMW Enforcement agency to be increased, and spent on targeted enforcement, especially in sectors where migrant workers are employed in large numbers.

- The HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to target employment agencies for minimum wage enforcement.

- That best practise guidelines are issued, to clear up the confusion on paying carers.

- Public bodies to work with the HMRC to make sure contracting out care does not fuel growth in exploitative employment.

- The remit of the Gangmasters Licensing Authority to be widened to include other sectors with a high proportion of migrant workers.

- The development rate for 18-20 year olds to be brought in line with the full adult National Minimum Wage (NMW) rate.

- That 16 and 17 year olds be entitled to the 'development rate', with a view to harmonising it with the adult rate over time

- That in the interests of fairness and simplicity, the new national minimum wage rates for all apprentices across the UK, should rise from £2.50 an hour to match the existing youth rates.

- That public service employers, and their contractors, continue to increase the apprenticeships available, negotiating with unions for an appropriate 'rate for the job' above the current or future minimums.

- Finally, we believe that in October 2011 the National Minimum Wage should be set at a living wage rate of £7.60 an hour.

Source:
UNISON

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