The majority of adults in England overwhelmingly believe care workers are undervalued (81 per cent) and should be paid better (80 per cent), according to new research.
The online poll carried out by the independent provider association National Care Forum (NCF) also found three-quarters (74 per cent) believe England’s 1.5m care home staff do a “brilliant job”.
The research findings are released to mark Professional Care Workers Week, which runs from 1-4 September.
“Care workers have been the stalwarts of the Covid-19 front line. 24 hours a day, seven days a week our professional care home staff have continued to provide care under the most challenging of circumstance. They have done this with compassion, providing a lifeline for the most vulnerable across all our communities,” said NCF executive director Vic Rayner (pictured).
NCF’s ‘Here to Care’ campaign aims to shine a light on the work being done in care settings, in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.
“It feels very timely to have a week dedicated to recognising the efforts of care workers and acknowledging the extraordinary work they do. Together we have clapped for our NHS, and our carers have been included in that outpouring of public gratitude," added Rayner.
"It’s great to see society recognise them for their invaluable contribution - it’s time that government does too, and that they are rewarded adequately."
Karolina Gerlich, executive director of the Care Workers’ Charity, the organisation behind Professional Care Workers Week, added: “Care and support workers have a challenging and rewarding job that is different every day and over the past months care workers have shown how exceptional they are.
“During a period of global uncertainty, the most vulnerable members of our society have been cared for in care settings, supported living facilities and in their own homes, by care staff. They have overcome the challenges of the pandemic with integrity and resilience.”
