SOPHIE Amkhan’s letter (Scandal of underpaid care home workers is not new, December 15) was harrowing, but sadly for many this is the reality. Covid-19 has certainly lifted the lid on care sector conditions, pay and predominately the care of those who are resident in the many care/nursing homes.
I am sure a full review and improvements will follow – they must. Ms Amkhan highlighted the poor reward care workers receive and called for a rate of £15/hour to be introduced. I would like to have seen Ms Amkhan give some recognition to the Scottish Government in its effort to recognise the work of care staff and home/family carers.
READ MORE: Scandal of underpaid care home workers predates coronavirus
In 2018 some welfare powers were devolved to Holyrood and Carer’s Allowance was included in those benefits devolved. Immediately the SNP government recognised the injustice to carers and brought their benefits up to the same level as basic unemployment benefit. This gave more than 70,000 carers in Scotland an increase of £8/week.
The Scottish Government have reached out to support carers during the Covid crisis, a crisis that has forced many to take on extra responsibility. The Scottish Government announced a special payment in recognition of those extra responsibilities, a payment of £230. In light of the Covid crisis in early 2020, the Scottish Government announced an immediate 3.3% increase to all social care workers (backdated to 1/4/20). In addition, social care support workers providing adult support will receive a minimum of the Real Living Wage (£9.30/hour).
Further to those announcements the Scottish Government announced it will provide funding to third-sector and independent providers to ensure staff receive sick pay if they are off work ill or self-isolating. I am sure the Scottish Government fully recognise the massive task ahead to give the care sector the tools it needs to be at the heart of our all-embracing socially just society.
Catriona C Clark
Falkirk
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