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The Equality and Human Rights Commission has called for urgent action to tackle increasing levels of non-compliance with the National Minimum Wage in the social care sector. The figures were released yesterday in a report by HM Revenue and Customs.
 
The Commission calls on employers and public bodies commissioning care to be more diligent in ensuring the pay of workers who play a vital role in supporting some of the most vulnerable people complies with the law. Local authorities as the major purchasers of home care need to ensure the rates they pay cover the actual costs of care.
 
The Commission’s work into the home care sector has highlighted the impact that poor employment terms and conditions have on older people receiving care. This can result in a high turnover of staff, rushed visits and making recipients potentially more vulnerable to abuses of their human rights to dignity and respect.
 
The Commission also welcomes HMRC’s warning that in future employers who fail to comply with National Minimum Wage legislation can be named and shamed under new rules brought in by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
 
Mark Hammond, CEO of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said:

“Today’s report from HMRC underlines the urgency of action to ensure that care workers are paid the National Minimum Wage. This affects their ability to care adequately for older people rendering them more vulnerable to neglect or abuse.

“Where Local authorities are the commissioners of care they should  ensure that the rates they pay are sufficient to cover the real costs of care, including the National Minimum Wage. This will help tackle high levels of staff turnover and rushed visits and ensure older people receive the care they deserve."

For more press information contact the Commission’s media office on 0161 829 8102, out of hours 07767 272 818.

Notes to Editors

The Commission is a statutory body established under the Equality Act 2006, which took over the responsibilities of Commission for Racial Equality, Disability Rights Commission and Equal Opportunities Commission.  It is the independent advocate for equality and human rights in Britain.  It aims to reduce inequality, eliminate discrimination, strengthen good relations between people, and promote and protect human rights.  The Commission enforces equality legislation on age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or transgender status, and encourages compliance with the Human Rights Act.  It also gives advice and guidance to businesses, the voluntary and public sectors, and to individuals.