A landmark report released today in Parliament reveals a critical opportunity to address the persistent workforce crisis in social care, highlighting a significant pay gap and alarming turnover rates. The report, “Who Cares Wins: Unfair to Care 2024,” reveals that social care workers earn £7,617 less annually compared to their NHS counterparts, a disparity that contributes to a staggering 28.3% turnover rate and 152,000 vacancies in the sector.
The findings are based on exclusive YouGov polling which shows a strong consensus among both Members of Parliament and the public that urgent reform is needed. The polling indicates that 77% of MPs view the current pay rate as unfair, with 92% acknowledging the issue’s importance to their constituents. Furthermore, 80% of MPs believe the next government should take action to improve conditions for care workers.
The report highlights the economic and social impact of the pay gap. With social care roles significantly underpaid compared to simpler positions in the public and commercial sectors, the sector faces a critical shortage of staff. This shortage impacts not only the quality of care but also places additional strain on the NHS and hampers economic productivity.
Community Integrated Care, the national charity behind the report, underscores the need for pay parity as a sustainable investment that can deliver multiple benefits. By aligning social care pay with NHS standards, the sector could see improved economic growth, more cost-effective care services, and enhanced well-being for both care providers and recipients.
The report also points out that the 2.6 million people connected to social care in England – including both workers and those who rely on care services – could significantly influence nearly 100 marginal constituencies in the upcoming 2024 election. The social care vote could become a decisive factor in shaping political priorities.
Teresa Exelby, Chief People and Corporate Services Officer at Community Integrated Care, emphasised the moral and economic necessity of this investment. “Providing fair pay for social care workers is not just a financial expenditure but a positive societal investment,” she said. “It promises a ‘Triple Win’ by enhancing lives, reducing recruitment costs, and supporting economic productivity.”
Phil Hope, former Minister of State for Social Care, echoed these sentiments, calling for immediate action. “This report highlights the growing public and political support for fair pay in social care,” he stated. “The time has come for a substantial and immediate pay rise for care workers. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to address a long-standing issue.”
The full report can be accessed here: Unfair To Care 2024. The document provides an in-depth analysis of the pay gap, its effects, and the necessary steps towards achieving fair compensation for care workers.