Welcoming the announcement today from First Minister Mark Drakeford that all staff employed in social care – including kitchen and cleaning staff – are to receive a £500 payment, UNISON Wales lead for care Mark Turner said:
“This is great news for low-paid care workers across Wales. There had been concern that some staff not involved in care roles might miss out, but following approaches from unions, everyone in the sector will now benefit.
“All staff in care have been going the extra mile during lockdown so this was the right thing to do. It’s good too to learn that the Welsh government will ensure that care staff get to keep every penny of the £500. This will be a huge relief to the workforce.
“But as welcome as the £500 payment is, it doesn’t change the endemic low pay and poor conditions that many care workers suffer.
“The Welsh government has already acknowledged that we must value our care workers, pay them more and treat them better.
“When the pandemic has passed, the entire care system needs a complete overhaul, which must include a decent and a lasting pay rise for staff. The public who’ve been applauding care workers each week will expect nothing less.”
