Frontline care staff need fair wage for challenging jobs
Scottish Faith Leaders are calling for social care workers to be paid £12 per hour minimum.
A declaration by 400 people in the sector is urging the Scottish Government to do “everything within its power” to ensure that all frontline staff earn a fair wage to help them cope with the ongoing cost of living crisis.
The move is in support of a national campaign by the Coalition of Care and Support Providers in Scotland (CCPS) which outlines urgent steps required by the Scottish Government to tackle the crisis within Social Care.
The ‘4 steps to Fair Work’ campaign aims to address the growing concern within Scotland’s not-for-profit social care sector. Currently providers are feeling the impact that a Scottish Government-funded base rate of pay of just £10.90 is having on staff and services.
As a result of this many staff are leaving the workforce for better paid jobs elsewhere and there are challenges in trying to recruit new staff. This is leading to a loss of expertise and potential talent, and an undermining of key services – all of which jeopardises support for those who need it most.
The campaign which has been running since June aims to ensure that social care and support workers begin to be properly rewarded and recognised; and the people they support can thrive by getting the support they need at the right time and in the right places.
Rt Rev Sally Foster-Fulton, moderator of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland, said: "As people of faith we have a calling to honour care and service. Dignity and respect for others is at the very heart of the faith message.
"We are delighted to have this opportunity to have our collective voice heard on this matter of great importance."
Viv Dickenson, CEO CrossReach, the social care arm of the Church of Scotland added: “This is not just a matter of justice for those working in care, but it is a matter which speaks to the way in which we as a society value those that they support and care for – and our fundamental belief that every life is worth living and can be lived in the fullest way possible.
Rachel Cackett, chief executive of CCPS, said “We’re delighted that faith leaders from across Scotland are backing our campaign, demonstrating the common ground and common values we share on the vital issue of fair work.
"The 4 Steps to Fair Work campaign aims to ensure that social care and support workers begin to be properly rewarded and recognised. We want the people they support to thrive by getting the support they need at the right times and in the right places.
"We need the Scottish Government to recognise that delivering on fair work for social care staff is central to a future Scotland that has rights and dignity at its heart.
“We hope you’ll add your voice to our campaign: please contact your MSP to alert them to our calls and urge them to raise the need for 4 Steps to Fair Work in Holyrood when parliament returns from recess next week.”
