Fife MSP calls for care workers pay to be levelled up

Alex Rowley, Labour member for Mid Scotland and Fife, says thousands of care workers are being short changes in wages.

At the Scottish Parliament, he set out the case for a national care service that saw all care workers being paid ‘the rate for the job’.

Mr Rowley said that Fife Council currently directly employs 1019 carers who provide homecare on nationally agreed pay, terms and conditions whilst the council also buy care services in from private companies which employ 1900 people - and, in general, he said they are paid lower wages and have poorer terms and conditions

Mr Rowley: “If Covid has taught us anything it is surely that we need better care in the community and the greatest asset of the care service is the workers.

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“It seems to me therefore common sense that all care workers should be treated the same and qualify for the best pay, terms and conditions that are on offer.

“Care should be seen as a career choice and rewarded accordingly.”

The campaign for a National Care Service is being driven by the Unite trade union.

Pat Rafferty, Scottish secretary, said: "This is essential if we are to ensure that standards are met and every carer receives the best pay and conditions.

A central part of achieving this is to create a National Care service to oversee and regulate the sector and ensure the highest standards are met.

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