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Once again the government shuns the care worker and delays the unlawful practises care homes seem to get away with all the time! The decision on what workers should get paid has been delayed for another month. They should be getting paid the minimum wage, as ruled by the inland revenue, but they only get paid a flat rate of £25 to £35 for a sleep in to support an individual. Some nights you may get sleep, other nights you can be up all night or get to bed very late and not get paid for. It is about time the government backs the law and not make it one rule for care providers, another rule for the care worker. Some of the conditions staff have to endure can be appalling.
Also this delay also increases the worry for those that need the support. Shame on the government. The care provider owners have spent the money on themselves. About time they pay up.
To add insult to injury, how current employer, instead of paying for a sleep in, has now changed the title to on call. They have said that anyone can go home at night if they wish but must be prepared to come in if needed. However, they say you must be able to get in within 10 minutes. failure to do so, will result in disciplinary. In addition they have stated that they can provide sleep facilities, normally in the residents home if you are outside the 10 minute get back time. No one lives within 10 minutes of work. So its the same thing, different title.
In addition, many workers here work between 50 to 65 or more hours a week. In terms of holiday pay, they only pay the basic of 36 hours x 5.6 weeks per year. Not the average hours worked. In the past, people could take more than 36 hours within a week off. They are now only allowing staff to take no more than 36 hours each week. No shifts here equate to 36 hours. Most are 14 hour shifts so it is impossible to do only 36 hours contracted.
We do not have breaks as we are with the residents all day and are not allowed to take time out with certain residents. Some of the staff are also on two year contracts which state they cannot have a second job, they have to pay a training debt if they leave and are now being asked to sign a new contract regarding the sleep in shifts being changed to on call shifts.
We have questioned it but they have said that it is all correct.
Since the minimum wage went up, care homes that used to pay for lunch breaks, now no longer do so. Some offer very basic facilities and are often away from shops so a proper break is difficult unless you have a car. Some care homes I have heard still break manual handling rules. Staff are expected to push heavy hoists along carpeted floors.
Why does the care industry get away with this and why does the government appear to be supporting the care providers and owners all the time?
Sorry, sounds a rant but those of us who want to make a difference have to put up with alot.
Also this delay also increases the worry for those that need the support. Shame on the government. The care provider owners have spent the money on themselves. About time they pay up.
To add insult to injury, how current employer, instead of paying for a sleep in, has now changed the title to on call. They have said that anyone can go home at night if they wish but must be prepared to come in if needed. However, they say you must be able to get in within 10 minutes. failure to do so, will result in disciplinary. In addition they have stated that they can provide sleep facilities, normally in the residents home if you are outside the 10 minute get back time. No one lives within 10 minutes of work. So its the same thing, different title.
In addition, many workers here work between 50 to 65 or more hours a week. In terms of holiday pay, they only pay the basic of 36 hours x 5.6 weeks per year. Not the average hours worked. In the past, people could take more than 36 hours within a week off. They are now only allowing staff to take no more than 36 hours each week. No shifts here equate to 36 hours. Most are 14 hour shifts so it is impossible to do only 36 hours contracted.
We do not have breaks as we are with the residents all day and are not allowed to take time out with certain residents. Some of the staff are also on two year contracts which state they cannot have a second job, they have to pay a training debt if they leave and are now being asked to sign a new contract regarding the sleep in shifts being changed to on call shifts.
We have questioned it but they have said that it is all correct.
Since the minimum wage went up, care homes that used to pay for lunch breaks, now no longer do so. Some offer very basic facilities and are often away from shops so a proper break is difficult unless you have a car. Some care homes I have heard still break manual handling rules. Staff are expected to push heavy hoists along carpeted floors.
Why does the care industry get away with this and why does the government appear to be supporting the care providers and owners all the time?
Sorry, sounds a rant but those of us who want to make a difference have to put up with alot.
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