Ideal Carehomes, part of the LNT Group, has increased pay for staff ahead of the implementation of the national living wage, which is due to come into effect in April 2016.
All employees will now be paid a minimum of £7.50 an hour, 30p higher than the upcoming £7.20 national living wage rate and 80p more than the current minimum wage rate of £6.70.
The increase means that the lowest wages at the organisation will rise by 15%.
Ideal Carehomes has implemented the higher pay rate to enhance staff motivation and commitment, which it expects to have a positive impact on the quality of care offered to residents at its care homes.
Matt Lowe, chief executive at the LNT Group, said: “The introduction of the living wage has given providers like us the opportunity to demonstrate our dedication to a quality care offer and recognition of how hard our staff work to create such great places to live.
”Offering an above living wage, never mind minimum wage, rise is a no brainer for us and puts us ahead of the curve in the sector.”
Sarah Colling, head of human resources at Ideal Carehomes, added: “Ideal wants to recruit and retain the best staff. We believe that [this] raise in hourly pay will show our staff how committed we are to their roles.
”It’s not all about wage, however, and we believe that providing our staff with full training, regardless of their role, is vital to creating the right caring environment. Their achievements as carers are central to our achievement as a provider.’