UNISON Scotland welcomes updating pay rise for social care workers to at least the Scottish Living Wage

UNISON Scotland welcomes today’s (Sunday) announcement by Jeane Freeman, Scottish Secretary for Health that the Scottish government has agreed a pay increase with local authorities for adult social care workers – with effect from the beginning of April – so they all receive the minimum living wage of £9.30 per hour and that it will cover all hours worked, including sleep-overs and personal assistance, with an agreement also in place on funding for sick pay in cases where workers are ill or self-isolating. The announcement was made today at the Scottish Government’s daily briefing on Conoravirus COVID19.

Commenting on todays announcement Mike Kirby, UNISON Scotland secretary, said: “UNISON Scotland welcomes today’s announcement of the updating pay rise for social care workers to at least the Scottish Living Wage, for all hours worked, including sleepovers. The additional assurances on sick pay are welcome.

While the Scottish Living Wage has been policy over recent years, there have been differences of view over adequate funding being provided by Scottish Government through CoSLA, leading to protracted contracting process and delays in money reaching care workers. This deal should remove these obstacles. The challenge is now to work with providers to ensure speedy implementation. This deal begins to recognise the real value in society of this workforce. When this crisis is over, there must be no slipping back.”

UNISON Scotland Contacts

Danny Phillips, communications officer: 07944 664110

Deborah Clarke, regional organiser: 07538 101225