Staff recruitment
career progression is limited within the care industry. One way that issue might be
overcome is if the opportunity to gain qualifications was introduced as an incentive for individuals to continue working within the industry. If individuals can see their hard work may result in gaining new skills - and ultimately a higher salary - they may be more inclined to stay with their employer. One proposal was for individuals to start with qualifications in social care with a view to moving onto nursing qualifications. Another issue is individuals working in
the care industry are often employed on zero-hour contracts. A report by Skills for Care found around a quarter of the care workforce were recorded as being employed on zero-hour contracts, and the turnover rates were almost seven per cent higher for those individuals employed on zero-hour contracts. The uncertainty regarding hours and
income, and the difficulties they present in maintaining a work-life balance, will no doubt add to the issues care homes experience in recruiting and retaining staff. With this in mind, there have been calls
to eradicate zero-hour contracts within the care industry and replace them with contracts of employment which provide
certainty regarding pay and hours, and give individuals working within the care industry some peace of mind.
Conclusion Reports by industry specialists have repeatedly outlined the issues surrounding UK care homes’ finances, which have become increasingly strained due to rising operating costs and cuts to funding. The sector is in jeopardy and the risk
to vulnerable members of society is growing. For years, care home operators have struggled with the introduction of the national living wage, auto enrolment in pension schemes, issues with staff recruitment and retention and the uncertainty of Brexit. The sector was already at crisis point
before Covid-19 hit. Covid-19 has highlighted the issues within care homes and added further pressure to a sector which was already on its knees as a result of increased and unsustainable financial pressure and burdens. It is clear the government needs to
come up with an effective solution to overcomethese issues or at least come up with a viable plan to mitigate the number of care home insolvencies or closures likely to occur within the sector.
Phil Richardson
Phil Richardson is a partner at Stephensons Solicitors LLP and has been head of the employment team since 2008. Phil has over 18 years’ experience in dealing with all areas of employment law. Phil specialises in all areas of employment law and provides advice to both individuals and businesses on a nationwide basis. His work involves strategic advice to clients looking to achieve a resolution of any issues, whether through mediation or by negotiation and settlement.
TCHE
August 2020 •
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