A higher minimum wage for Reading’s care workers will help tackle staff shortages in social care say the Liberal Democrats.
The party says new research shows there are 330 job vacancies in Reading’s social care sector, meaning there is a vacancy rate of around 9.2%, or just under one in 10 roles.
These staff shortages are leading to patients being left stuck in hospitals waiting for social care, contributing to record-breaking waits in A&E and treatment delays which the party says is dangerous.
The Liberal Democrat wants social care workers to be paid at least £2 an hour more than the current minimum wage, bringing their pay up to at least £11.50 an hour today, and £12.42 from April.
They say the proposal would benefit up to 3,100 people working in the social care sector in Reading.
Cllr Anne Thompson is standing for election in Tilehurst.
She said: “The social care crisis is having a devastating impact on vulnerable people’s wellbeing, and contributing to record long waits at A&E, and terrible delays in receiving treatment.
“Too many people in Reading are stranded in hospital beds because there simply aren’t enough care workers to look after them at home or in a care home.
“The first step to fixing this mess is to pay those working in social care more, to prevent the exodus of workers to supermarkets and other better paid jobs.
“I have seen first-hand the incredible job that care workers do day in and day out. This is a skilled and crucial job and it should be paid more.”
The view is backed by leader of the Liberal Democrats Ed Davey, who visited Reading earlier this month to learn more about issues facing the health sector in the town.
“It is heart-breaking that millions of elderly and vulnerable people across the country are struggling to get the care they need and deserve,” he said.
“Our NHS is collapsing and social care is completely broken after years of broken Conservative promises.
“The Conservatives’ neglect of social care services has caused an exodus of staff to better paying jobs. Our plan for a Carers’ Minimum Wage would tackle these chronic staff shortages in social care, and help take pressure off the NHS.”
Also standing in Tilehurst: are Gabriel Berry-Khan (Green), Casey Byrne (Conservative), and Len Middleton (Labour and Co-operative).
