“This is a time when our reliance on those who care for others is at its highest, yet the very care workers that we rely on are struggling the most.

“The pandemic has taken its toll on lives, and in livelihoods, and the pressure on NHS, social care staff and other low paid essential keyworkers is immense.

“Care workers across London have continued to work through the pandemic, putting themselves at risk to ensure the elderly and vulnerable in our community are put first, working gruelling hours on very low wages to do so.

Care Work is a skilled job, physically and emotionally demanding but crucial to assisting people to be safe and supported in their home or care home.  This pandemic has highlighted just how valuable our care workers and support staff are.

“For fairness and justice, we continue to support all London care workers to be paid the London Living Wage.

“We understand that care workers and other staff at the Sage Nursing Home in Barnet have decided to take strike action after negotiations with management to be paid at least London’s Living Wage failed.

“This is a very difficult time for both care home residents and their care workers. We therefore urge both parties – workers and management – to resume negotiations.

“All London care workers deserve to be paid enough to live in London, which is at least the London Living Wage.”

Ends.

Notes: A copy of the last statement on Sage care workers can be found here: https://www.barnetlabour.org.uk/2020/11/11/supporting-care-workers-to-be-paid-at-least-londons-living-wage/