Scottish Labour has launched an online consultation to listen to the views of the public on its National Care Service plans.
We all know Scotland’s care service is broken and has been overlooked and undervalued for too long. Now is the time to care about care and a wholescale transformation for those receiving care, their families and workers in the sector is urgently needed.
This is especially true given the fact that the UK Government has confirmed social care workers will not be able to take advantage of the new NHS visa, as part of the UK’s plans for a points-based immigration system when freedom of movement with the EU ends in January. The GMB union, representing NHS staff, described the new rules as an “embarrassing shambles”, criticising the exclusion of frontline care home workers and contractors, and pointing out that a minimum salary threshold meant many cleaners, porters and support staff would also not qualify.
These workers are incredibly undervalued and one thing the coronavirus pandemic has shown us is that this is not the case. Not only are these workers valuable – they are the very bedrock that keeps our society up.
This is why the survey seeks to engage members of the public, especially those with direct experience of the care system and allow them to help shape Scottish Labour’s developing plans to improve care for people at home or in care homes, and for those who care for them as part of their national campaign: It’s Time to Care About Care. Scottish Labour is also engaging with the workforce, trade unions and various experts as part of the campaign.
Scottish Labour has a longstanding policy commitment on developing a National Care Service to address fragmentation, and put dignity and respect for those receiving care, their families and care workers at the heart of the social care system.
To make your views known please take part in the short survey by clicking below for your opportunity to inform our plan to transform Scotland’s care services.
