Four in five social care workers are expected to leave their jobs due to low pay amid the increased risks posed by Covid-19, according to the GMB trade union.
In a survey conducted on behalf of GMB for ITV News 79% of respondents thought it was likely the care sector would see staff shortages as people were unwilling to work at current levels of pay.
Other findings from the survey of more than 2,200 care workers include 71% of respondents believe colleagues will die after being infected at work.
In addition, one in five care home workers said they had considered quitting over the lack of PPE in their workplace, with 44% believing they have not got adequate equipment.
Some 85% of those without adequate PPE said they feel their health is being put at risk and 86% are worried they will pass Covid-19 on to their family or household.
"Care workers are expected to keep our loved ones safe with inadequate protection, poverty wages and a pittance in sick pay if they get ill. They’re terrified – not just for themselves, but for the people they look after and their families at home,” said GMB national officer Rachel Harrison.
"This isn’t just about money - care workers are so committed to the people they care for. But you have to ask yourself if you’d risk your life and the lives of your family for less than £9 an hour, some on no sick pay and not even the basic equipment to keep you safe – because that’s what we’re asking care workers to do right now,” she added.
The union called for an “active service payment” and sick pay to be paid at the National Living Wage for all care workers.
GMB meanwhile found 99% of care staff said they have not been tested for Covid-19.
