Winning for care

Care workers have faced some of the toughest situations during COVID-19. Caring for those most vulnerable to the virus, whilst grappling with failures from an inadequate government response, some unfair employers and a dysfunctional care system. But UNISON have been fighting back. And we have been winning.

Here, we share some victories from care workers campaigns throughout the UK in the last few weeks.

In Norfolk, a care home member contacted UNISON concerned about a lack of masks. UNISON contacted local officials who arranged for 300 masks to be quickly transferred while supply line issues were sorted.

In Leeds, a UNISON rep spotted that staff were being issued with out of date face mask. Thanks to the swift and determined intervention of our rep, UNISON escalated this issue quickly with the employer and got them replaced.

In the South West, UNISON negotiators and reps negotiated with a care home provider, getting them to agree to pay full pay for anyone self-isolating or off sick due to Covid-19. This affected 1200 members of staff.

In Scotland, UNISON negotiated with the Scottish Government and secured the Scottish Living Wage of £9.30 for social care workers for all hours worked from 1st April 2020

In Haringey, the Local Government Branch supported members in challenging one Social Care provider to change their policy and furlough staff who are shielding, to ensure their pay doesn’t drop down to Statutory Sick Pay.

In Barnsley, a group of workers in a care home contacted UNISON, concerned about resident admission without testing. UNISON arranged a virtual meeting and spoke to the care home owner. The issue was resolved and new members joined UNISON from this workplace.

In the North West, UNISON campaigning has led to nine councils agreeing to ensure care workers receive full normal pay for COVID-19 related absence

In the New Forest, staff at a care home were forbidden by management to wear PPE, despite a resident having died after contracting coronavirus. UNISON made it clear this was unacceptable. The employer relented and staff were given access to protective equipment.

In Northern Ireland, UNISON pressure led to the Health Minister committing to improve pay and introduce universal testing for all care home workers.

There’s never been a more important time to be a member of a union. If you know a care worker, ask them to join us. Care workers are stronger together. 

Care workers can join online here

The article Winning for care first appeared on the UNISON National site.

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