UNISON congratulated North Lanarkshire Council – who have adopted UNISON’s Ethical Care Charter today. This will ensure high standards in homecare, and better conditions for homecare workers. It is great news for vulnerable service users, their families and homecare staff, says UNISON
The Ethical Care Charter was developed by UNISON following concerns raised about the standard’s of homecare vulnerable people were getting. Research highlighted fears that poor terms and conditions for staff were leading to lower standards of care for mostly elderly and vulnerable people who use homecare services.
North Lanarkshire Council adopted The Charter today. This means that UNISON has recognised the high standards of care delivered and the emphasis on recruiting and retaining homecare staff.
The Charter’s aim is to ensure social care workers have the time they need with clients rather than be restricted to a specific time slot. It will also mean they are paid for their travel time and costs. Where possible people will see the same homecare worker and zero hour contracts will not be used in place of permanent contracts.
Staff will also be paid at least the Living Wage and will be covered by an occupation sick pay scheme to ensure that staff are not pressurised to work when they are ill – which also protects the welfare of their vulnerable clients.
Marie Quigley, secretary of UNISON North Lanarkshire branch said, ‘We’re delighted that North Lanarkshire Council is one of the first councils in Scotland to adopt UNISON’S Ethical Care Charter. Social care workers provide a lifeline service for vulnerable people. Signing up to the UNISON charter shows commitment to a highly skilled workforce and those they care for. The workforce need fair work, better pay and ethical employment practices. This charter will help improve standards and retain highly valued staff in all homecare providers across North Lanarkshire.
Today is a good day. It demonstrates our shared commitment to ensure improved quality of care for some of the most vulnerable people in North Lanarkshire.’