Merton Council is the latest local authority to adopt UNISON’s ethical care charter in a signing ceremony taking place today.
The charter was signed by UNISON’s general secretary Christina McAnea, Merton Council leader councillor Ross Garrod, councillor Peter McCabe cabinet member for health and social care, and John Morgan executive director of adult social care.
The move helps people in the borough who receive home care services as well as the workforce, says the union.
The charter sets minimum standards to protect the dignity and quality of life for people who need home care.
Councils must commit to ensuring care companies give workers enough time for visits, proper training, and a fair wage, so they can provide better quality care for thousands of people relying on the service.
Under the charter, homecare staff must be paid the real living wage (£11.95 an hour in London) and offered fixed hours rather than zero-hours contracts.
UNISON Merton branch secretary Natalie Adams said: “Signing the charter benefits both staff and service users, and we’re really pleased that the council has signed up.”
Notes to editors:
– More information about UNISON’s ethical care charter can be found here.
– UNISON is the UK’s largest union, with more than 1.3 million members providing public services – in education, local government, the NHS, police service and energy. They are employed in the public, voluntary and private sectors.
Media contacts:
Emma Davey M: 07432 733187 E: e.davey@unison.co.uk
