Fife MSP calls for end to underpayment of social care workers

Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Alex Rowley has called on the Scottish Government to end the underpayment of social care staff in order to address the inequalities in health and social care.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Speaking in a debate in the Scottish Parliament on addressing labour shortages in the Scottish economy, Mr Rowley criticised the rate of pay for social care staff.

Read More
Leven rail bridge replacement costs soar to almost £8m

Mr Rowley has also raised a motion in the Scottish Parliament on the issue which he highlighted the situation faced by many home carers who are only paid for the time spent with their clients and not the travel time between them.

Alex Rowley MSP is calling for the end of underpayment to social care workers. Pic: George Mcluskie.Alex Rowley MSP is calling for the end of underpayment to social care workers. Pic: George Mcluskie.
Alex Rowley MSP is calling for the end of underpayment to social care workers. Pic: George Mcluskie.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Rowley said: “The main underlying cause of recruitment and retention issues in our care sector is poor pay and, crucially, unequal terms and conditions.

“Councils have cut back on employing carers and instead are contracting out the work because it is cheaper to do so but the only people paying the price of this are the care workers.”

Thank you for reading this article on our free-to-read website. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

Please consider purchasing a subscription to our print newspaper to help fund our trusted, fact-checked journalism.

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.