Homecare workers in Northumberland are set to benefit from a council scheme that guarantees competitive pay and introduces a right to security of income for those who want it. 

 

A growing number of home care providers have signed up to the eight commitments in the Northumberland Guarantee, with support from the Council for the costs.   

 

The commitments include a minimum income for most home care work of £12.54 an hour – higher than either the National Living Wage or the Real Living Wage, and paid for all the time when they are doing care work, including time spent travelling between visits. 

 

Providers signed up to the Guarantee are also offering all home care workers the option of a contract which gives them a reliable weekly income, and they will usually also have opportunities to work optional additional hours to increase their earnings.   

 

The Guarantee also includes a mileage rate of 45p a mile for workers who drive between visits, and confirms that workers will be paid for time spent in training. 

 

Northumberland County Councillor Wendy Pattison, Cabinet Member for Caring for Adults, said: “Home care workers who visit people in their own homes to provide them with care and support are carrying out one of the most important jobs in the health and care system. This is what makes it possible for many ill, disabled, or older people to maintain their independence and dignity. 

 

“If you think homecare could be the role for you, you can find out more and register your interest at nland.cc/Register.. 

 

“It isn’t essential for you to have previous experience of care work or specific qualifications. What matters is that you enjoy working with people, and that you can relate to the many different people you will be working with, understanding what matters to them. 

 

“Working in home care is not just an emotionally rewarding role, it is one of the most varied too.” 

 

Full training is provided and people who are new to homecare work will not be asked to visit people on their own until they have made enough joint visits with more experienced workers to be confident about what is expected.   

 

If you would like to know more you can register your interest at nland.cc/Register or see the details of the Northumberland Guarantee scheme by visiting Nland.CC/Guarantee./Guarantee.