There is a growing realisation that higher quality care in an ageing society requires a better deal for the social care workforce. Low pay, at times below the National Minimum Wage, and the poor working conditions associated with it often act as barriers to delivering the quality of care that people deserve, and place significant pressure on care workers. While this argument is well rehearsed, until now there has been little discussion of the scale of resources needed to tackle this issue – and how to pay for it in a time of stretched budgets. Over the last year the Resolution Foundation, supported by Unbound Philanthropy, has been analysing the costs and benefits of improving pay and conditions for the UK’s care workers, including paying the living wage. At this event Laura Gardiner of Resolution Foundation presented the key findings of its investigation. Minister of State for Care and Support Norman Lamb MP gave a speech, followed by an expert panel discussion and Q&A.
