Today, Skills for Care published the Pay in the Adult Social Care Sector in England report. The report shows that average pay for a social care worker currently sits at £12.60 per hour, just 39p above the National Living Wage.
Society relies on social care practitioners to undertake a highly skilled role, supporting people in all aspects of life. This is a vital role, ensuring that people with disabilities receive the support they need. When good, community-based support is in place, people experience better outcomes, more fulfilled lives, and greater independence.
When this support is not available, too many people experience avoidable crisis. The Mental Health Act Reforms and the NHS 10 Year Plan reiterate the importance of strong community support focused on prevention. Yet too many people with learning disabilities and autistic people continue to be admitted to mental health hospitals because they cannot access the high-quality community-based support they need.
Attracting and retaining the right people is essential to achieving change. This requires staff to receive the training, support, recognition and pay they deserve. Today’s report highlights how far there is still to go, and greater, sustained funding for the sector is essential. Without improved conditions for social care workers, efforts to build and sustain high-quality community support will fall short, and too many people with disabilities will continue to be denied their rights.