Better working conditions for Care workers in Leicestershire to be raised at next County Council meeting.
The next meeting of Leicestershire County Council taking place on Wednesday 2nd December will see a motion brought by Hinckley Lib Dem County Councillor Michael Mullaney calling for action to help ensure Care workers are paid the Real Living Wage.
Councillor Mullaney said "The current Covid-19 pandemic has shown how essential Care workers are. They have gone above and beyond in looking after elderly, disabled and other vulnerable people during this pandemic. Sadly some carers have even lost their lives with Covid-19. It's been good to see that as a society we are beginning to value more the vital work Care workers do. The regular claps on the doorstep during lockdown for Care workers and other essential workers. The Care badge that was produced for them by government.
"But our vital care workers need more than claps and badges. They need wages that begin to reflect the vital work they do. That's why this motion highlights the need for the Real Living Wage to be paid to Care workers.
"We've seen recently with the appalling treatment of the Care workers who work for the care homes in Leicestershire run by Leicestershire County Care Limited, having their pay and conditions reduced in the middle of the pandemic and having to accept them or face the sack how important it is that we improve the pay and conditions of Care workers. Having been a Care worker myself in the past I'm aware of how hard a job it is and how little it's paid. I hope all parties at the County Council can come together to support this motion and support the vital work our carers here in Leicestershire do."
The motion is seconded by Wigston County Councillor Linda Broadley who said "I am truly appalled at the treatment of staff who have worked tirelessly and continue to care for our elderly residents in these trying times. We as County Councillors have a duty to ensure that homes we commission to look after our residents are good employers. Well treated staff equals well cared for residents. Care before profit. "