Care workers provide an essential service supporting the frail and the vulnerable within our communities.It’s hard work both physically and emotionally. ‎ But it’s vital work. We nurse, clean, feed those who need our help. Families rely on us to provide care with dignity to their loved ones. Society could not function without us.

Yet we feel invisible, undervalued and overstretched. All too often we are not allowed the time or resources we need to provide the level of care people deserve. And poverty pay and zero hour contracts mean we often struggle to provide for our own families when we get home.

We know better than anyone that social care is broken. It can’t go on like this.

We in Salford City UNISON are proud of our achievements for Salford’s Care Workers.

Prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, we had already achieved the following in the last twelve months:

• The Real Living Wage of £9.30 for all workers on the Salford Supported Living contract from 1st October 2020.
• At least £9/hour for ALL Salford Care Workers from 1st October.
• Sleep Ins to be paid at the rate of the Minimum Wage.
• Holidays at Lifeways to be paid in line with actual hours worked. (This agreement then transferred with those Lifeways staff to new employers).

Since COVID-19, we have helped secure more PPE and access to testing that was originally intended for NHS-staff only.

Crucially, we have secured an agreement, that ensures protection of earnings and other important forms of security from Covid-19.

To find out more, click here.

We are determined to keep fighting for real dignity and protection for care workers, but to get it, we need your help. The more care workers we have the union, the stronger your voice.

Being in UNISON also offers you individual protection inside and outside work for you and your family should you ever need it. To find out more click here.