Jayne Kirkham, Labour’s parliamentary candidate in Truro and Falmouth, has become the first to back UNISON’s campaign for a new national care service.
The union wants to see a new service based on high quality care and a fairly rewarded workforce. Although these changes wouldn’t happen overnight, the union believes the reforms would put an end to 15-minute home care visits, long waits for care packages, and low wages for staff.
A national care service would also mean the quality of care is of the same high standard, no matter where in the country it was being provided, says UNISON.
Labour has already pledged to create a national care service and a new fair pay agreement for care workers if the party forms the next government.
UNISON is calling on every candidate who has been selected to stand in English parliamentary seats at the next general election to sign up too.
Thank you for having me tonight @UNISONSW @Cornwallunison at the Acute Health Branch
I managed to stop coughing for long enough to get some words out!
Very useful discussion on Health, housing, devolution & of course, care. pic.twitter.com/2uJJwKXaL2
— Jayne Kirkham 4 Truro & Falmouth (@JayneKirkham4) February 29, 2024
UNISON South West regional secretary Kerry Baigent said: “Social care is broken. The current fragmented and privatised system is unfit to meet the needs of everyone who needs support. But a better way is possible.
“Care workers are the beating heart of a system that should be able to look after everyone’s loved ones with compassion and kindness. But without the cash or sufficient staff, the sector is struggling to deliver, putting unbearable pressure on the NHS and families.
“This is particularly true in Cornwall, and across the South West.
“If the country is to have a care service of which it can be truly proud, care workers must be valued, recognised and rewarded as the skilled professionals they are.”
