Hi Sheila,

I represent a charity which owns a group of Care Homes for the elderly in the north of England which is going to be seriously affected by the rise in the national minimum wage of 10.8% by April 2016.
Question: Are there any moves afoot to compensate for this payroll increase for the care sector? A short simple answer would be appreciated.

Thank you,

Eddie

Answered by Sheila Scott

Dear Eddie,

There are various things going on. As you may know the Treasury is undertaking a Spending Review in the Autumn and this article from the BBC website is helpful in understanding the importance of the review.

There are of course meetings going on in the Department of Health about the implications of the impact of the National Living Wage.

I work with National Care Association and know that they have undertaken a survey about the impact and they are scheduled to make announcements this week about the results of the survey and further action they are planning including a Day of Action for providers in September. You can keep up to date with their plans at www.nationalcareassociation.org.uk

It is important that all providers contact their MP to let them know what the impact will be on Adult Social Care.

With best wishes,
Sheila