The Department of Health has published a report setting out the
evidence base for improving pay and terms and conditions across
the independent social care sector.
It sets out the case for implementing the Real Living Wage (RLW)
for independent sector social care staff.
The Social Care Fair Work Forum (FWF) Justification Document
provides a comprehensive evidence base to inform and support the
Forum's ongoing work in advocating for greater investment across
the social care sector.
Detailed survey work was undertaken with both social care
employees and employers in Northern Ireland to understand the
sector's current pay, terms and conditions.
Health Minister said: “I am pleased to be able
to publish today my Department's Fair Work Forum (FWF)
Justification Document, which presents evidence-based arguments
in favour of greater investment in the independent social care
sector, including implementing a Real Living Wage uplift.
“I remain fully committed to funding the Real Living Wage at the
earliest affordable opportunity. This will be a priority for me
in the planning of our expenditure for the financial year
2026/27.”
The Social Care Fair Work Forum's Evidence Base/ Justification
Document to Support Implementation of the Real Living Wage (RLW)
can be read in full at www.health-ni.gov.uk/publications/rlw-justification-report.
Notes to editors:
- The Social Care Fair Work Forum, established in 2021,
developed proposals for implementing a Real Living Wage across
the adult social care sector in Northern Ireland. The FWF engaged
specialist support from the Ulster University Economic Policy
Unit and Gilchrist Associates (MGA) to
assist with the work, which resulted in the production of the
Justification Document.
- The Social Care Fair Work Forum is made up of representatives
of employers, trade unions, government departments and other
statutory agencies who are working together to influence
priorities and policy regarding fair work in the social care
sector in Northern Ireland.
