Bristol City Council is the latest local authority to sign up to UNISON’s ethical care charter today (Monday 15 March).
Council leaders joined UNISON representatives to formally sign the charter in a virtual ceremony held this afternoon.
The charter sets out a series of commitments to help protect the rights of homecare workers and ensure dignity in care delivery through a consistent, well trained workforce that enable people to have continuity of care to achieve their personal outcomes.
Councillors have also pledged to work with local care firms to help them pay the real living wage – currently £9.50 an hour – to all their employees.
Tanya Palmer, UNISON regional manager, said:
“Care workers improve the quality of life for huge numbers of vulnerable and elderly people. They deserve to be treated well at work and treated with respect.
“By signing UNISON’s ethical care charter, Bristol City Council has demonstrated a recognition for care workers who have proven that in a global pandemic that they should be paid a real living wage and respected as frontline workers.”
Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said:
“We place great value in our home care services which enable people to live independently in their homes for longer. This year more than ever, the pandemic has demonstrated the vital role carers play in our society and how important it is for us to value and acknowledge this.
“I am really pleased to sign UNISON’s ethical care charter today, and reinforce our commitment to invest in pay, training and skills development, and conditions for workers, putting clients at the centre of our care system.”
Councillor Helen Holland, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said:
“Home care workers are the backbone of our adult social care service. They work with compassion and dedication to help improve the lives of others, and this year, more than ever, we have seen the real value of their roles, keeping people safe in their own homes, so it’s right that we invest in them.
“I am so delighted today to sign the charter to underpin our commitment to work with our providers, their staff and the Trade Unions, to ensure person-centred care is delivered by well-trained staff, with good pay and conditions. By signing the charter, we commit to continue to invest in our home care service, so that carers have a rewarding career and are given the support to provide high quality care to Bristol residents.”
