Proposals are
published today [14th April] for Leeds City Council to ensure appropriate
standards for care at home, both for care workers and those they care for.
As part of plans
for improving homecare provision in the city, Leeds City Council will become of
the biggest local authorities to sign up to Unison's Ethical Care Charter.
The charter commits
employers to move away from zero hour contracts, ensure the national minimum
wage and travel time are paid, as well as progress made to a ‘living wage’ and provide
good quality training to all staff.
Councillor Adam Ogilvie, Executive Member
for Adult Social Care, said:
“We have to
recognise that people who get homecare are individuals, and have their own
particular needs. We need the people we pay to care for them to have the time
and resources to provide the support any of us would want for our loved ones
and ourselves.”
"We have
consulted widely about our homecare plans, working with staff, unions, homecare
users and providers. Our plans will provide a better future for homecare in
Leeds. Care work is one of the toughest jobs to do and we have to treat those doing
it fairly.”
Unison regional organiser, Dean Harper,
said:
“We applaud the
commitments Leeds City Council are planning to deliver. They have made sure
that the right people can have their say – the workforce, the service users and
others involved in provision. The results of the plans being agreed will be proper
rewards and respect for staff, as well as better care for vulnerable people in Leeds.
The council plans
are due to be discussed at the Executive Board on 22nd April.
-ends-
Notes for editors:
More information on
Unison’s Ethical Charter is available at:
Issued by:
Communications and
Marketing team
Leeds City Council,
4th Floor West, Civic Hall, Leeds, LS1 1UR
Mobile: 07891
276270
Fax: 0113 247 4736
www.leeds.gov.uk