HC-One is expanding sick pay entitlements to more colleagues in its care homes.

The agreement with the GMB union means thousands of care workers will receive statutory sick from their first day of absence.

A spokesperson for HC-One said: “We are pleased to be expanding our sick pay offer for more colleagues in our care homes, who are at the heart of everything we do.

“We are also continuing to work closely with our local authority and NHS partners, who fund the vast majority of our residents, to try to secure increases in fees that will enable us to go further on the pay and reward of our colleagues. This is a major priority for us, and the whole sector, and we commend those local authorities that have receptive to these discussions so far.”

Natalie Grayson, GMB national officer, said: “For anyone worker to take a financial hit because they are poorly is disgraceful.

“But for the care sector, it’s sickening – and worse, it’s dangerous to our loved ones that we expect them to care for.

“Day one sick pay is the very least care sector workers deserve – yet across the UK carers are forced to survive without out.

“This is a massive win for GMB members – it represents a landmark shift in culture for the entire care sector.

“But GMB won’t stop here: we will not stop fighting until these dedicated professionals are paid at least £15 an hour.”