Jewish Care to give 500 frontline workers pay rise

Jewish Care has vowed that its lowest-paid workers will be given a pay boost to recognise their “incredible dedication” throughout the pandemic.

The charity, the community’s largest care organisation, says it will become among just ten percent of London social care providers to pay the London Living Wage of £10.85 an hour, affecting over 500 workers.

Its chief executive, Daniel Carmel-Brown, said he believed the move not only acknowledged the hard work of carers but also made “good business sense.”

“During the early days of the pandemic, we applauded and showed recognition for the carers who put the safety and lives of clients in front of their own,” he said.

“We simply couldn’t provide our vital services without them.  Over 500 frontline staff will benefit from an increase in their pay.”

The move will mean an increase from £9.47 to £10.85 for the organisation’s lowest-paid, including carers, housekeepers, cleaners, and catering assistants. The salary increase is expected to cost the charity around £1.5m each year.

Amid national staff shortages in the sector, Jewish Care says it hopes the move will also help retain talent and recruit more qualified carers.

“With this further investment in our staff, we can continue to retain and recruit the most talented people to take care of the oldest and most vulnerable members of our community,” added Carmel-Brown in a message to supporters.