We've Announced Inflation-Beating Pay Raise For Care Workers
10/08/2023
Bluebird Care South Somerset has announced an inflation-busting pay rise of 8.5% for its care team.
As the cost-of-living crisis continues to impact thousands across the UK, the local home care provider has offered the wage rise in recognition of its care team’s hard work supporting people across South Somerset to live safely and comfortably at home.
Thanks to the 8.5% wage rise, the team’s 26 local Care Assistants will now earn between £12 and £13 per hour – almost 20% above the average hourly rate for carers in England.
Bluebird Care South Somerset’s care team will also receive an enhanced rate of £18.50 per hour for Bank Holiday home visits. Likewise, those supporting customers with overnight care and support will see their pay enhanced to at least £95 per shift, with up to £130 per shift for Bank Holiday sleep-ins.
In acknowledgement of both high living and fuel costs, Bluebird Care South Somerset will also pay a Combined Mileage & Travel Pay of 65p per mile, to support team members travelling to and from customers’ homes, with carers offered a supplementary £5 for customer visits that require them to travel more than 10 miles per journey.
Bluebird Care South Somerset supports people to live independently in their own homes across Yeovil, Milborne Port, Wincanton, Bruton, Castle Cary, Somerton, Martock, Sherborne, Crewkerne, Chard, South Petherton, Ilminster and Langport.
The big news has been warmly welcomed by the team, including Care Assistant, Jessica Bag, who said:
“As a parent, this pay rise will be a huge help managing the increased costs of childcare and activities for the kids. The additional support to cover fuel costs is also hugely valuable. It is really encouraging to know that we are supported to deliver our best at work and that our hard work is recognised and rewarded.”
Speaking about the pay announcement, Director at Bluebird Care South Somerset, Ross Perkins, said:
"The cost-of-living crisis has affected us all. I am therefore incredibly proud that Bluebird Care is able to offer an above inflation pay rise this year. Our hard-working Care Staff fully deserve this 8.5% pay rise in recognition of the professionalism, compassion, and dedication that they demonstrate every day.”
