In a meeting with LPC commissioners and written response to the Low Pay Commission's consultation on minimum wage rates for 2026 and beyond, VODG members shared their views on
- What the National Minimum Wage (NWM) and National Living Wage (NLW) mean in a time of a Real Living Wage and Fair Pay Agreement.
- The difference between the care sector and other 'low pay' sector, including hospitality and retail and the need to recognise care and a skilled job.
- The role public sector commissioners and state funding have on wages in the social care sector.
- The challenge presented by differentials and the need to ensure fair pay, opportunities for progression and recognition apply at every level of an organisation.
- The need for a more flexible and less punitive welfare system the supports people to trying to work more hours or less, as needed.
- The impact of the NMW and NLW on disabled people and families. Research by VODG member Sense shows that the workforce crisis is affecting disabled people - findings last year highlighted that nearly a third of disabled people with complex needs who receive social care (31%) had experienced staff shortages over the previous 12 months.
Whilst the increase of the NLW in April is a welcome step, due to the increase in Employer National Insurance contributions, the precarious state of the social care funding model and pay competition from sectors such as retail and hospitality, it is having limited impact on the recruitment and retention of staff in the social care sector.