THIRSK MP Kevin Hollinrake has expressed concern over wage changes that could have a devastating impact on the care of older and vulnerable adults in the area.
The government has announced that care providers will now have to pay the full National Living Wage rate to carers providing sleep-in care in older and vulnerable adults’ own homes.
In the past, carers have been paid an allowance of £30 to £40 per shift.
Mr Hollinrake has urged Prime Minister Theresa May to look into the issue and warned it could have a catastrophic impact on providers.
He said:“We are caught in a perfect storm of rising demand, a reduction of resources for local authorities and the knock-on effect for providers who are unable to offer the level of service needed due to cuts being passed on to the those providing the care.”
Mike Padgham, chairman of the Independent Care Group which represents care providers in North Yorkshire and York, said it is a “potential hammer blow” for organisations that are already underfunded and who may now face huge bills in backdating payments.
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