The TUC has called for a comprehensive strategy for the care workforce in England after revealing most social care workers earn less than the Real Living Wage.

New analysis from the body covering the childcare and social care sectors revealed more than three in five (61%) social care workers and senior care workers earn less than the Real Living Wage. 

The report found social care workers earn only around 65% of the median salary for all employees (£21,500 per annum compared to £33,000). 

TUC general secretary Paul Nowak said: “We will all rely on care at some point in our lives, whether that’s childcare for our kids or social care for ourselves or our family members. 

“The care our loved ones get must be of the highest standard. But that’s only possible if jobs in care are decent and paid well enough to attract and keep the right people.”

The TUC called on the government to introduce: a £15 minimum wage for childcare and social care workers; collective bargaining on pay and working conditions; skills, training and progression pathways; staffing ratios based on care needs; and a zero approach to workplace abuse.

Cathie Williams, joint chief executive of the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services, said: “Good quality social care is important to everyone. We are all one life event away from needing care ourselves. And the only way to solve the staffing crisis in adult social care is better pay and conditions that values and properly rewards the incredible work that care workers do.

“That will mean more of us will get care and support at the right time and break the vicious cycle of people ending up in crisis and needing hospital treatment for want of the right support.

“To make it happen, it will take long term commitment and funding from the government. And we need a national workforce plan to ensure that we have the care workers in place in every community in years to come to help those of us who are older and disabled and those of us who are caring to live good lives.”