Written question WQ98659

The Welsh Government is committed to supporting our social care workforce in Wales.

As a government we have committed to social partnership with trade unions, employers and government to guide solutions to complex challenges.

We have committed to ensuring that the Real Living Wage is paid as a minimum to social care workers in Wales. An evaluation published in Autumn last year suggested 84% of the workforce are currently receiving the Real Living Wage and we will ensure that we target the 16% who aren’t. As well as introducing more stringent monitoring mechanisms, we will use the review of the National Commissioning Framework to strengthen this commitment.

A number of areas are currently under consideration, including the recently published voluntary Pay and Progression Framework, proposals relating to a Social Care Negotiating Body for Wales where evidence and stakeholder feedback are being reviewed to help inform possible next steps.

In addition, we are now considering the next iteration of the Social Care Workforce Delivery Plan to ensure that its priorities and actions remain the right focus for the social care workforce in Wales. This will include aligning the Delivery Plan with the emerging priorities of our new Welsh government.

A range of wider activity is in place to support the workforce, including support for overseas workers, and initiatives focused on recruitment, retention, skills development and career progression.

In addition, we want to support and promote innovation across the sector, particularly in how the workforce is planned and delivered. This includes supporting and expanding social enterprise and co‑operative models of care, which can provide more flexible and community‑based approaches.

Some smaller, community-based providers offer personalised care in ways that enable flexibility and responsiveness to people’s needs. We are working closely with stakeholders to ensure that these approaches continue to provide safe, high-quality care, while supporting innovation in how services are delivered.

Personal assistants also play a vital role in this landscape, providing direct, person‑centred support that enables people to have greater choice and control over their care.

Taken together, this work is helping to build a broader understanding of how best to support a stable, skilled and valued social care workforce in Wales, while informing future priorities.