Labour’s proposed National Care Service would transform the lives of million of people as well as dramatically improve the careers and fortunes of workers delivering vital support, UNISON has claimed.

Speaking at Labour Party conference in Liverpool yesterday, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said Labour’s proposed overhaul of the sector would herald fairer pay and reverse the growing job vacancy trend that means thousands of people are currently unable to get the social care packages they desperately need.

McAnea said: “People say Labour needs to be ambitious. And there’s nothing more ambitious than a National Care Service. This would transform the lives of 1.5 million care workers and guarantee support for everyone who need help day-in, day-out.

“It would also revolutionise one of the biggest industries in the UK, with its predominantly female employees.

“I want Labour to be bold. They’ve promised that the first fair pay agreement will be in social care, with its diverse and complex workforce. Now that’s being bold.

“This fair pay agreement would empower workers and their unions to get in and negotiate decent pay, conditions and training.”

Speaking at a local government rally at the conference on Sunday, shadow health and social care secretary, Wes Streeting, said: “We have a serious plan to get the NHS back on its feet and take the first steps towards a National Care Service.”

Streeting said a National Care Service would be delivered in partnership with local government.

He also reaffirmed Labour’s pledge to clamp down on “exploitative” private equity owners of care homes.

“With a Labour government their time will be up,” he warned.