Care workers employed by Orkney Island Council are all paid above the real living wage for contracted work. In addition to this most of those who do sleepovers are also paid above the real living wage.

Last week the Scottish Government announced that it would work with Health and Social Care Partnerships to deliver their pledge that all care workers will receive £8.45 an hour for sleep overs. This is to be in place during 2018/2019.

Care workers in Scotland have received the hourly Living Wage since 1st October 2016 and this will now include sleepovers.

A spokesperson for Orkney Islands Council said:

“Our frontline care staff are paid above the real living wage for their main contracted hours.”

“When sleepovers are included, the average hourly payment received is above the real living wage for the vast majority of frontline care staff.”

“The council has reviewed its sleepover payments and a report on this will be considered by councillors in the near future.”

The council will have to now address the issue of all care staff being included in the increase. 

Shona Robison , Health Secretary in the Scottish Government said:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/scottishgovernment/

“The change will take place during 2018/19. This will provide time for it to be implemented in a way which will ensure continuity of care to individuals.”

“The Scottish Government has worked closely with health and social care partnerships, care providers, trade unions, individuals using services and other stakeholders and will continue this engagement as partners begin to redesign sleepover provision”

Reporter: Fiona Grahame