Responding to the publication of the Health and Social Care Committee’s report on workforce burnout and resilience, UNISON general secretary Christina McAnea said:
“NHS and social care staff are at breaking point. The pandemic’s taken a serious toll on their mental health, and there’s no let-up in sight.
“High vacancy rates mean many are struggling with excessive workloads. Yet the government’s failed to address this staffing crisis.
“The Prime Minister must act now to award a pay rise that allows the NHS to attract new people and stops the exodus of existing staff. A complete overhaul of wages is also vital in social care. This must include the introduction of proper sick pay.”
UNISON Yorkshire & Humberside regional convenor Wendy Nichols said: “Working alongside our NHS are social care workers, often in the private sector for the minimum wage. They should be better paid and local authorities also need to be funded to be able to provide a better service to some of the most vulnerable people in our society.”