Care workers employed by one of Scotland’s largest health and social care charities have voted to take strike action.

The trade union UNISON says Enable staff voted overwhelmingly (93%) for a walk-out over pay.

The union says it’s the first time in more than 10 years that social care workers in the charitable sector have voted to strike.

It says Enable is ‘one of the better employers’ in the sector and the issues are rooted in decisions taken nationally.

Care worker and UNISON steward Kim O’Donnell said:

“Every care worker in Scotland was let down by the Edinburgh government when it withdrew promised funding that deepened the crisis in the care sector.

“This vote from Enable Scotland reflects how undervalued care workers feel. They want to be respected for the work they do and paid a decent wage.”

UNISON Scotland area organiser Wendy Hudson said the ballot is a symptom of wider problems for the sector and more value must be placed on the work that care staff do:

“Care workers, who look after some of the most vulnerable people in society, are struggling to make ends meet because they’re not paid enough to live on.

“Five years on from the first COVID lockdown, the care workforce shouldn’t be left with no option other than to strike for a fair wage.

“Enable Scotland is one of the better employers in the care sector.

“But without proper funding from the Scottish government, care workers will continue to be let down. Ministers must fund charitable care properly and act to resolve this issue.”

Meanwhile, UNISON regional organiser Jennifer McCarey emphasised that the “care sector is in crisis” and more is needed at government-level to turn the tide:

“Care workers must be able to negotiate their pay at a national level with government, as health and council staff currently do.

“The recruitment crisis in social care won’t end until care workers are valued for the vital work they do and given the fair pay they deserve.”

The latest report from national finance watchdog, the Accounts Commission revealed that Scotland's IJBs are facing almost half a billion deficit.

Accounts Commission member Malcolm Bell said the findings reflect the need for “candid conversations” with communities about the difficult choices needed, while warnings came not to forget the third sector as vital partners for health and care.

healthandcare.scot has approached Enable for a comment.

 

Read more: Minister urges transparency over carer funding; Care sector criticises ‘budget that kills’; "Watered down" care reforms disappoint sector; Competition and low pay hamper care recruitment

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