GMB Scotland Media Statement - Social Care Staff Support Fund

Responding to the Scottish Government’s announcement yesterday evening (Wednesday 24 June) of a social care staff support fund, which should ensure care workers receive full pay if they fall sick with Covid-19 until the end of September, GMB Scotland Organiser Kirsty Nimmo said:

“This is a necessary development which, for a limited period, should tackle the scandal of private care employers leaving workers languishing on £95.85 a week if they fall ill or must isolate. These payments must start immediately.

“It is important to stress these payments are not a comprehensive sick pay policy but a time limited agreement to pay workers affected by COVID-19 only in order to support Scottish Government’s testing and self-isolation policies. 

“This is not a point of celebration by any means. This does not address the long standing problems of poor pay and conditions in Scottish care homes which will continue, including for care workers sick from other conditions.

“Our members in care have suffered and continue to suffer while working in horrendous conditions, and the fight goes on for a national plan for care, ending chronic exploitation and delivering proper value for these frontline heroes.”

ENDS

Contact: GMB Scotland Communications on 07976 447077.

Notes to Editors:

Scottish Government Coronavirus (COVID-19): “Social care staff support fund guidance”, published 24 June 2020, access at: <<https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-social-care-staff-support-fund-guidance/pages/additional-information/>>