Responding to Skills for Care's 'Pay in the Adult Social Care Sector in England' report, RCN Director of Policy, Amber Jabbal, said:

“Nursing staff and all those in social care look after some of the most vulnerable people in our society and are a vital part of our health system. It's unacceptable that so many are forced to accept pay that pushes them into poverty and leaves them unable to afford food or using welfare payments to top up their salaries. It is little wonder the sector faces a recruitment and retention crisis, with over a hundred thousand posts left vacant.

“Improving wages and workplace rights in social care are crucial to bolstering the sector’s workforce and easing pressure on the NHS. But desperately needed reforms have been continually kicked down the road. Nursing staff and those in care do not have years to wait and need to see action now.

“The Fair Pay Agreement introduced as part of the Employment Rights Act is a much needed first step, and improving pay in the sector should be a top priority for the new negotiating body. It must be implemented without delay and have real teeth, increasing pay for these essential staff that are critical for the safety of vulnerable patients and the survival of our health and care system.”

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Notes to editors

Skills for Care - Pay in the adult social care sector in England