​Charter will be presented to MSPs

Union officials have created a charter for residential care workers to help protect them in their place of work.

Unison’s care charter aims to put an end to the poor treatment of residents and staff and is urging councils and care home owners to adopt it.

The union will present the charter to MSPs today (31 October) at the Scottish Parliament.

It follows on from the union's ethical care charter, which aims to raise standards of care for people living in their own homes, as well as enhance the treatment of homecare workers.

Dougie Black, Unison’s Scotland's regional organiser, said: "Scotland's care system is failing our elderly and vulnerable - and the staff struggling to provide the best care for them.

"Elderly people should expect the best possible care, whether they are being looked after in their own accommodation, or in a care home.

"Today we are calling on MSPs to support Unison residential care charter and to work with us to make the significant changes needed to restore respect and dignity and to improve standards in Scotland's care homes."

Dave Watson, Unison’s Scottish organiser, said: "Unison residential care charter sets out the minimum standards and employment conditions required to deliver decent care. Employment levels, pay, conditions and training directly impact on the quality of care delivered.

"A more stable, well-equipped workforce is essential to raise standards and deliver high quality, consistent care.

"We urge all councils, Independent Joint Boards and providers in the voluntary and private sector to adopt our residential care charter and raise the standards of care for the most vulnerable people in our society."