Written question WQ86089

Ancillary workers in care homes were included in payment schemes we introduced in 2020 and 2021. These schemes made payments of £500 and £735 to recognise the contribution of all staff who provided essential services to our most vulnerable citizens during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Additional Payment of £1498, before deductions for tax and national insurance, was for a different purpose. The payments made in June were aligned to our introduction of the Real Living Wage for social care workers. The Additional Payment was specifically to mark our commitment to making further improvements to the terms and conditions for registered social care workers. We are working in partnership with the Social Care Fair Work Forum to improve career pathways for registered social care workers so that more continue to have rewarding and long-term careers within social care.

Ancillary staff in care homes make a valuable and important contribution to residents’ wellbeing but they have different responsibilities to care workers. They are not delivering personal care services, which requires them to be registered with Social Care Wales as social care professionals.

We have funded the introduction of the Real Living Wage for social care workers from April 2022, at a cost of £43m. We welcomed the announcement on 22 September of the increase of the Real Living Wage to £10.90 per hour by the Real Living Wage Foundation. We encourage employers to pay the Real Living Wage to all staff, while recognising the challenges many employers are facing in the current financial climate.