Care workers in England getting left far behind Scottish and Welsh counterparts | Personal Finance | Finance
“The care situation in this country is dire, and I know of other care workers who have also left the industry because of low pay. People want to care for others, but how can we do that when the wages we earn mean we can hardly take care of ourselves?”
Preston senior care work and Citizens UK leader Jessie noted she had the same passion as Brett, with caring giving her “a sense of purpose” which is why she has endured in her role instead of going to university but is now able to study and work at the same time.
She added: “I know how out of reach this is for most people in the care industry.
“Low pay makes it so difficult to get qualifications, but then you aren’t taken seriously without them. That, coupled with ridiculously long hours, leaves care workers feeling they have no choice, with many choosing to leave the sector. It’s not right – and a real Living Wage would help break this cycle.”
Unlike the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage, the real living wage is voluntary and has a £11.05 rate for London workers due to the increased cost of living in the area.