Millions of care workers across England are poised to gain a stronger voice in determining their pay and working conditions, following the announcement of a new negotiating body. This significant reform, part of the government's landmark Employment Rights Act, aims to establish the first-ever Fair Pay Agreement for adult social care, backed by a substantial £500 million investment earmarked for 2028-29.
The new Adult Social Care Negotiating Body is expected to be established by the end of 2026. Comprising representatives from trade unions and employers, this body will be tasked with negotiating on crucial issues including pay, terms and conditions, and broader employment matters within the sector. Its formation is intended to provide a structured and regular negotiation process, ensuring that both care providers and workers have voting rights on these key decisions. An independent chair is set to be appointed in early 2027 to oversee these negotiations.
This initiative is designed to address long-standing issues of low pay and job insecurity that have affected the estimated 1.5 million people working in the adult social care sector. Minister of State for Care, Stephen Kinnock, highlighted the vital service provided by these workers, stating that the government is committed to giving them a 'voice and a fair deal'. The government also aims to bolster recruitment and retention within the domestic care workforce, raise living standards, and create enhanced career opportunities.
The first round of negotiations under this new framework is slated to commence in April 2027, with the goal of introducing the first settlement by April 2028. This timeline underscores the government's commitment to implementing tangible changes in the near future. Alongside the Fair Pay Agreement, efforts are continuing to professionalise the workforce through the expansion of the Care Workforce Pathway. This universal career structure now encompasses nearly all adult social care roles, including new categories such as care technologists and activity co-ordinators, alongside roles not traditionally seen as health or social work, like catering and maintenance.
Oonagh Smyth, CEO of Skills for Care, emphasised the importance of the Fair Pay Agreement in improving care roles and securing skilled staffing. She noted that aligning the agreement with the expanded Care Workforce Pathway will directly link fair pay to career development, aiming to make adult social care a more rewarding and structured profession. These changes are part of a broader government mission to create a National Care Service and follow significant additional funding, with over £4.6 billion made available for adult social care in 2028-29.