Home health-care service in Norwich voluntarily paying staff above living wage
'Home Instead' says others should follow their lead, if possible
Last updated 17th May 2022
While others are tightening their belts, as the cost of living continues to surge - a home health care service in Norwich is voluntarily paying their staff above the living wage.
'Home Instead' is paying their employees over the £9.50 an hour rate - and says others should follow their lead, if possible.
"The last thing that I want is for them to be worrying about how they're going to pay their bills that week"
Chris Carter is their Chief Executive, he told us why you've done this: "We know that there's increasing numbers of older people who need these services.
"The care sector as a whole has got 10% vacancy rates and therefore I think it makes sense that we've got to pay more and look after people well to attract them to the sector, to be able to provide the care our parents and our grandparents need.
"In order for our staff to give 100% focus to the clients, to be really present and to look after them well, the last thing that I want is for them to be worrying about how they're going to pay their bills that week.
"So, it's been a decision to look after the staff because it makes good business sense."
It comes as more than half of people in Britain say their health is getting worse, with the main reason being rising food and energy costs.
The Royal College of Physicians also says one in four of those have been told this is the case by a doctor or medical professional.
"Possibly the most competitive market I've seen in thirteen years"
He went on to tell us they've had an encouraging response, to a decision that wasn't taken lightly: "We've increased rates of pay twice in the last year and we've also increased our mileage travel payments.
"So, I think that the staff appreciate that and we've continued to grow and develop as a company.
"We've serving more clinics in Norwich than we ever have done. So, our retention and our recruitment has been very good.
"It's a very competitive recruitment market at the moment, possibly the most competitive market I've seen in thirteen years of operating the service. So, it's undoubtedly challenging, so we're looking at every aspect of the business, as to how can we do things more efficiently, how can we look after staff better and clients better."
What is the 'Living Wage'?
The 'UK Living Wage' rose to £9.50 in April from £8.91. It was first introduced in April 2016 and is defined by the Living Wage Foundation, as "the hourly rate of pay calculated independently to be the minimum that a worker needs to earn to cover the basic costs of living".
It's different to the minimum wage that was introduced in 1998. This pay currently at £9.18 an hour and is defined as "the lowest rate a employer can legally pay one of their employees".