Ideal Carehomes has announced a record 8.5% pay rise for all hourly paid staff.

The award winning care provider is investing £2.5 million annually in increasing staff wage and marks its fourth wage rise in two years – a £6 million investment adding 20% to salaries.

The latest hike means minimum hourly rates for staff will match the Real Living Wage at £10.90.

Stacey Linn, managing director at Ideal Carehomes, said: “With the cost of living remaining a constant worry, we feel it is imperative that we make these vital investments to support our staff. We are a people business, and nothing is more important to us than making sure our people feel secure and valued in their career with us.

“Over the past year alone, we’ve grown our teams by 27% and opened six brand-new care homes, with plans to open three more by the end of 2024. Our growth is providing our current and future teams with the rewarding careers they deserve through real time opportunities to grow with us and in turn, further strengthening their earning potential.”

Ideal Carehomes’ care and domestic assistants will now start on a minimum salary of £23,805 per annum, and with progression through the Ideal Academy, their award-winning in-house training scheme, could be earning over £30,000 per annum within a couple of years.

In addition to its most recent wage increase and comprehensive training initiatives, Ideal Carehomes offers team members wider support and benefits such as a Wellbeing Pathway.

Stacey added: “As a business we have bounced back and are trading again at pre-pandemic occupancy levels, and this has allowed us to further invest in our people who make it all happen.

“Recruitment in our sector is a challenge but we are proud to offer some of the best training and pay rates which enables us to attract and retain the best staff.

“The latest pay rise is a necessity in the current financial climate with the increased cost of living, not only to give staff peace of mind, but also to ensure that they are rightfully rewarded for the important and dedicated work that they do.”