Millions of care workers in England are to be represented in negotiations on pay and working conditions through a new Adult Social Care Negotiating Body.
The body, due to be set up by the end of the year, will bring together trade unions and employers to negotiate on behalf of the sector. Care providers and workers will have voting rights on pay, terms and conditions and wider employment matters through a regular negotiation process.
An independent chair will oversee talks between employer and worker representatives and is expected to be appointed in early 2027. The first round of negotiations is due to begin in April 2027, with the first settlement introduced by April 2028.
The government said the first adult social care fair pay agreement is backed by £500 million for 2028 to 2029. Ministers said it is intended to support domestic recruitment and retention of carers and improve living standards.
The announcement covers England’s 1.5 million adult social care workers. Minister of State for Care Stephen Kinnock said the workforce had been affected by low pay and poor working conditions and would be given a voice through the new arrangements.
Alongside the fair pay agreement, the government said it is expanding the care workforce pathway, described as the first universal career structure for adult social care. Part three will include 10 new role categories, including care technologists and activity co-ordinators.