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UNISON notes the statement by the Minister of Health, Robin Swann MLA, which recognises the concerns of our members working in care homes on low pay, poor terms and conditions and inadequate sick pay, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic.

During the week beginning 11 May 2020, UNISON NI will be celebrating the work that all our health and social care workers (including amongst many others nurses, midwives, nursing assistants, carers, homecare workers, social workers, porters, administrative staff, cleaners, caretakers, laundry and catering staff) are doing to make sure patients, service users and their families get the best treatment, care and support possible.

Tonight at 8pm the public is being asked to show its support for UNISON members and all those working in frontline public services responding to the Covid-19 pandemic. The public should join in a mass round of applause at 8pm while staying in their homes.

For several years UNISON has been highlighting the low pay conditions endured by many workers in the private care sector. We have given evidence to a multitude of reviews. As a result, the exploitation of this workforce has been recognized but no action has been taken to remedy it.