Shropshire-based care provider Coverage Care Services has given its workforce a second pay rise this year in order to support them with rising household bills.
The business, which employs around 1,000 people in caring, nursing, administrative, domestic and maintenance roles, said it has invested £1.5 million in the pay increase, meaning that every employee apart from apprentices will now earn more than £10 per hour. The pay rise is effective immediately.
Night care assistant shift leaders have seen pay increase from £10.91 to £13.40 per hour, higher than the current real living wage rate of £9.90 outside of London, and qualified day care assistants have received an extra £1.05 per hour. Some staff will see their hourly rates increase by 22% as a result of the decision.
According to Coverage Care Services its 2022 wage bill will now be £2.5 million more than last year, and its highest to date.
Samantha Woosnam, head of HR at Coverage Care Services, said: “Our employees consistently go above and beyond in their duties to ensure our residents receive the level of care they so richly deserve and our decision to increase wages recognises this hard work and loyalty at a time when many are feeling the pressure as a result of increased household bills.
“We are proud of our track record on colleague pay and this £2.5million wage support package demonstrates our continued commitment to our dedicated team. We are doing as much as we can to ensure employees feel rewarded, happy and can support their own families through this difficult period of economic uncertainty. As well as supporting existing staff, we hope the improved remuneration package will encourage more people to consider a career in the care sector.”