Commenting on the health secretary Matt Hancock’s announcements at the Downing Street briefing today (Wednesday) about care workers, UNISON general secretary Dave Prentis said:
“It’s right that the care, compassion and selflessness of care workers should be given proper recognition. They’re putting their lives on the line.
“But for all the warm words and promises about supplies of protective equipment, the situation appears to be getting worse, not better.
“Raising the status of the social care ‘brand’ is welcome but it must be backed by a long-term commitment to better pay. There must also be a move away from the fragmented and underfunded system that was already in crisis before the pandemic hit.”