Home care workers' 'heroic actions' recognised with 17% pay rise

A 17 per cent pay rise is being given to care workers in Devon employed by the home care firm Bluebird Care, in recognition of their ‘heroic actions’ during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The offices of Bluebird Care in Exeter, Exmouth, East Devon and North & West Devon also announced the ‘inflation-beating’ wage increase in a bid to ‘attract more care assistants into the industry’ which is currently facing workforce shortages.

Rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, the domiciliary care provider, which delivers home care visits and live-in care, is offering the pay rise to workers who have passed their three-month probation period.

“The pay rise increases are greatly appreciated and motivate us to continue to serve our great customers across the region”, said Imogen Cornelius, a care assistant at Bluebird Care Exeter, commenting on the increase to her wages.

“In being a care assistant, the most rewarding part of the job comes in helping people every day and being a part of some of their lives. I am incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to meet new people and learn about their lives.

“My colleagues and I are now also fortunate that we have employers who are committed to ensuring that we are also rewarded for our hard work and efforts.”

Devonshire ‘not exempt’ from workforce shortages

A spokesman for Bluebird Care said: “The UK is currently experiencing a shortage of health and social care workers across the country and Devonshire and its surrounding areas are not exempt.

"Bluebird Care Exeter, Exmouth, East Devon, and North & West Devon therefore hope to attract more care assistants into the industry with competitive pay that values and appreciates the invaluable work of the industry.”

William Flint, director at the Bluebird Care franchise offices, said: “This year, we are significantly investing in our team members, with a never-seen-before improvement in their terms, to attract and retain first-rate team members.

“This year our introductory rate of pay increases staff pay by 17 per cent - a rate that will attract the very best staff to deliver your care.”

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