As we highlighted in our recent article Care workers under pressure: Are they being paid enough?, The Workers Union continues to shine a spotlight on the challenges faced by the UK’s frontline carers — long before the headlines catch up, we have supported a cash boost for care workers. Today’s news echoes what we’ve already been emphasising: immediate intervention is critical in tackling the social care staffing crisis.
A new report from the Fabian Society urges the Government to allocate £1.5 billion to provide a £2,000 pay rise for over 500,000 care workers across England. The proposal calls for the introduction of a higher minimum wage specifically for healthcare assistants carrying out clinical tasks, such as administering medication, managing health plans, and supporting patient recovery in residential settings.
With over 120,000 job vacancies in care homes and social support services, the report paints a stark picture of a sector at breaking point. Persistent low wages are driving potential recruits away, leaving providers struggling to maintain safe staffing levels. Many care workers earn barely above the national minimum wage, despite delivering vital services that underpin the health and dignity of some of the UK’s most vulnerable individuals.
The Fabian Society’s warning is compounded by impending immigration policy changes outlined in the Government’s Immigration White Paper. Under these changes, care providers will face significant restrictions on hiring workers from abroad, further tightening an already overstretched labour pool.
“This makes it all the more urgent that the care sector increases its appeal as a career destination for UK workers,” the report says, urging a shift in policy that prioritises fair compensation and long-term sustainability.
Joe Dromey, general secretary of the Fabian Society, was candid in his assessment:
“The treatment of the social care workforce is a national scandal. Care workers deliver vital support, yet they face poverty pay, chronic insecurity, and have few opportunities for progression.”
He went on to warn that the UK risks widening the care gap as the older worker population ages and the demand for services rises — without attracting and retaining enough staff, care quality could deteriorate rapidly.
A call for fairness and foresight
This intervention comes at a time when the sector is already under scrutiny, with widespread calls for reform and investment. In many parts of the country, care workers are performing complex roles that rival those in the NHS, but without equivalent pay, pensions, or training routes.
The Workers Union has long championed the cause of fair pay and dignity for care workers. Our platform has consistently raised awareness of the real pressures behind the headlines, and we welcome this report as further validation of what we already know: without bold action, the care sector will continue to decline.
What’s next for care workers?
While the £2,000 pay proposal is a step in the right direction, delivering it will require Government will and public support. The conversation must now shift from analysis to action — prioritising better pay, clear progression routes, and valuing care work as a skilled, professional vocation.
Investing in the care workforce is not just about fixing today’s crisis — it’s about future-proofing the sector for generations to come. With restrictions looming on overseas recruitment, the domestic workforce must be supported and incentivised if we are to prevent deeper staffing shortfalls.
The Workers Union Says…
“As the narrative finally starts to catch up with the reality on the ground, it’s clear that continuing to underpay care workers is no longer tenable. The Workers Union remains committed to raising the alarm early, pressing for real solutions, and standing up for the people who dedicate their lives to looking after others.”
