Massive boost to Rutland economy if social care wages are raised

The Trades Union Congress suggests the East Midlands would see the biggest economic boost in the country

Care worker
Author: Victoria HornagoldPublished 11th May 2023

New research from the Trades Union Congress (TUC) suggests Rutland's economy could generate an added ÂŁ6m per year - if the minimum wage for care workers rose to ÂŁ15 an hour.

The TUC suggests the East Midlands would see the biggest economic boost in the country, if the policy was introduced.

There are 1,790,000 posts in social care, but around 165,000 of these are vacant.

The vacancy rate increased to a record 10.7% in 2021/22.

Nine out of ten care workers earn less than ÂŁ15 per hour and many care workers are paid less than the real living wage (ÂŁ10.90).

Rob Johnston is the union's Policy and Campaigns Manager in the region and says a wage increase would "start tackle the crisis, while also allowing workers to spend in the town".

He added: "There's so much to be done, but the ÂŁ15 an hour should be done as quickly as possible.

"We must see it as part of a wider package to fully fund our public services."

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