The Charter has improved working conditions by ensuring that homecare workers are now paid for travel time between appointments as well as for care hours. This change effectively grants up to 900 workers an annual pay rise of approximately £1,400, benefitting a sector largely made up of female, minority ethnic and local workers.
Word from the Cabinet
Cllr Tim Windle, Cabinet Member for Healthier Communities, said: “Our care staff work really hard to deliver for our residents, and yet so many are feeling the challenges of the cost of living crisis.
“That’s why it’s vital we’re ensuring that our homecare workers receive the London Living Wage, as well being paid for travel expenses and the time spent travelling between appointments.”
New care model
Lambeth Council is currently in the process of recommissioning its homecare provider service under a new neighbourhood care mode with eight contracts based on neighbourhoods and one borough-wide reserve providers list.
The new approach aims to integrate homecare workers more closely with primary care and community health services at a local level, ensuring a more consistent service for residents.
The new model will also encourage better cooperation with housing neighbourhood teams, allowing carers to respond more quickly to individual needs and reduce travel time. The transition is underway and we are already seeing the positive impacts for residents and workforce.
Ethical Care Charter
The Charter sets minimum standards for the safety, quality, and dignity of homecare for people by ensuring carers receive fair employment conditions.
This approach prevents short-changing clients and promotes a more stable workforce through sustainable pay, conditions, and training levels.
For more information about the Ethical Care Charter visit unison.org.uk.
