Pay rise welcomed for Falkirk carers

The Scottish Government says the pay rise is in recognition of the vital role they are playing in the coronavirus crisis.

The new measures, agreed between the Scottish Government and COSLA, also includes funding for third sector and independent providers that will ensure staff receive sick pay if they are off work ill or because they are self-isolating.

Social care support workers providing direct adult support will have their pay increased to at least the Real Living Wage rate of £9.30 an hour for all hours worked, including sleepovers and hours worked by personal assistants.

Mr Matheson said: “I’ve always had huge appreciation and admiration for the work that they do looking after some of the most vulnerable people in our communities.“And this pandemic, which has thrust social care workers into the frontline of the battle against coronavirus, can leave no one in any doubt that they play a key role in our society.

“I hope this increase will go some way to reassure our dedicated social care workers that we truly value everything that they do.”

Councillor Fiona Collie, chairperson of Falkirk’s Integrated Joint Board, which oversees health and social care in the area, said: “I am pleased to see this brought forward to ensure that care workers receive this increase now rather than waiting until later in the year.

“Care workers in all sectors across Falkirk provide a hugely important service and their efforts, particularly during this pandemic, are invaluable.”

The news was also welcomed by Andy Kerr, chairman of the Fair Work in Social Care Group, who said: “As well as recognising the importance of their work, this announcement gives reassurance that financial support is available for those who are sick or self-isolating during this unprecedented situation.”

Mike Kirby, UNISON Scotland secretary, also welcomed the announcement.

He said: “While the Scottish Living Wage has been policy over recent years, there have been differences of view over adequate funding being provided by Scottish Government through CoSLA, leading to protracted contracting process and delays in money reaching care workers.“This deal should remove these obstacles. The challenge is now to work with providers to ensure speedy implementation. This deal begins to recognise the real value in society of this workforce. When this crisis is over, there must be no slipping back.”

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