Abbots Care, home and live-in care provider, has released a powerful video message addressed to the UK Government, titled Open Letter to the Government: Everyone Deserves Access to Outstanding Care. In the video, Abbots Care’s CEO and Co-Founder, Camille Leavold, urgently highlights the severe crisis in social care. Over 400,000 elderly and disabled people remain on waiting lists for care assessments, and more than 1.5 million hours of commissioned home care went unprovided between August and October 2023 due to a crippling staff shortage. Abbots Care urges the government to take immediate action to prevent further deterioration of the Care sector, and to ensure every individual receives the outstanding care they deserve.
The current challenges
In her message, Camille Leavold highlights several pressing issues in the care sector that demand immediate attention:
Inadequate pay and recognition for care professionals
Care professionals continue to face low wages and insufficient recognition despite their essential role in society. While the "clap for carers" during the pandemic brought temporary acknowledgment, many care professionals feel forgotten once again. Abbots Care advocates for a more permanent solution, ensuring care professionals receive the respect and compensation they deserve.
Impact of restricting zero-hour contracts
Zero-hour contracts have been a contentious topic in the care industry. However, Camille notes that while some argue against these contracts, at Abbots Care, 35% of their workforce chooses this option for flexibility. Restricting zero-hour contracts without considering worker preferences could result in a loss of experienced care professionals, negatively affecting care delivery.
Funding gaps in local authority and NHS care services
Abbots Care delivers thousands of hours of care to local authorities and NHS Continuing Care clients, with 70-80% of their costs allocated to employee wages and benefits. Without an increase in funding from councils and the NHS, it would be unsustainable to provide higher wages or improve employment terms, jeopardising the quality of care provided to vulnerable individuals.
Abbots Care’s call for change
Camille Leavold makes a clear case for urgent reforms, including:
Fair pay agreement for care professionals
Abbots Care supports the introduction of a Fair Pay Agreement for care workers. However, Leavold stresses that this must be underpinned by a robust financial strategy that includes increased funding for care providers. Without this, providers may be forced into a loss-making position, potentially reducing access to care for hundreds of clients.
Collaboration with care providers
Abbots Care is ready and willing to collaborate with the government to address these challenges. Leavold urges policymakers to engage in constructive dialogue with care providers to create solutions that benefit both care professionals and those who rely on their services.
The impact this could have on the care sector
Camille emphasises that if these changes are implemented, they will have far-reaching benefits on the Care sector. By increasing pay and improving working conditions, the Care sector would attract more talented individuals, reducing high turnover rates and ensuring stability for those receiving care. A well-funded plan would allow providers like Abbots Care to continue offering outstanding care, benefiting not only clients but also contributing to the long-term sustainability of the UK’s social care system.
As the UK Government develops new policies and funding mechanisms for social care, Abbots Care urges officials to prioritise fair compensation for care professionals and invest in the future of the Care sector. Only with a solid financial foundation can the country ensure that everyone has access to the outstanding care they deserve.
To watch the full video message from Camille Leavold, visit here.
