McGrath: we must pay our essential care workers properly.
SDLP Health Committee Member, South Down MLA Colin McGrath has welcomed a move by the Scottish Government to award a pay rise to all adult social care workers and said that it is time for Northern Ireland to follow suit.
Colin McGrath said: “I welcome this progressive move by colleagues in the Scottish Government, who have stepped up and awarded a pay rise to all adult social care workers, ensuring they are paid above a minimum to a living wage.
“It is now time for Northern Ireland to follow suit and award a much-deserved pay rise to our domiciliary care workers, many of who are paid minimum wage, despite performing an essential service and caring for our loved ones.
“Gestures such as badges and clapping are very welcome, but ultimately to show these workers how much we value them, we must pay them properly. They are working in the most challenging of circumstances and deserve to receive a wage that reflects the importance of their work.
“I will be writing to the Minister for Health, urging that he and his Executive colleagues consider a wage increase for these vital workers,” said Colin McGrath.
