Liverpool care workers deserve the living wage

LibDem Deputy Leader Liz Makinson has voiced concerns that a demand for a 4% uplift in council funding to the private residential care sector (partly being demanded due to the April increase in the living wage)” does not come with a commitment from our care sector to pay care workers the national living wage rather than the minimum wage”.

Care homes in Liverpool are experiencing a recruitment and retention crisis. This leads to a regular reliance on expensive agency staff and lack of continuity for residents.

Only some of Liverpool’s care homes pay care workers the national living wage with many workers struggling to make ends meet on the minimum wage. This vital work needs to be recognised for the skilled and dedicated job it is. Care workers leaving the job is a major headache.

There is a reliance on the private sector in terms of residential care but an uplift of 4% in fees to care homes from the council must come with an expectation that care workers will be paid the living wage.