Social care workers have stepped up to support some of the most vulnerable in our communities during the pandemic. For two years social care has faced one crisis after another due to lack of support from central government.

As a former care worker, I believe it’s a scandal that care workers are so often underpaid and undervalued, with many on little more than the national minimum wage. It’s not surprising that many workers are leaving social care to pursue better paid jobs elsewhere.

I was delighted that Bolton Council intends to tackle low pay in the social care sector. This follows a Greater Manchester campaign backed by trade union, UNISON, GM Mayor, Andy Burnham and others.

The Bolton News recently reported that from April, Bolton Council will ensure that local care workers receive no less that the Real Living Wage, a figure set by the Real Living Wage Foundation, based on actual living costs.

Bolton Council has allocated £5.4 m from its budget, alongside a two-year financial commitment from Bolton NHS organisations to ensure a much needed pay boost for social care workers.

It’s an issue that rightly has cross party support. Well done to Bolton UNISON and everyone involved.

Joan Pritchard-Jones