Warning despite Shropshire care firm's growth
A care firm in Shropshire has grown the business by three per cent in the last year – but bosses have issued a warning for the future of the industry.
Carewatch (Mid Shropshire), based at Stafford Park in Telford, has seen financial growth in the year to April, and took on 37 new employees during the period.
Managing director Steve Harris, of Whitchurch, said he was pleased with the company's showing, but warned that the industry is in "the worst situation it has ever seen".
"Whilst this company is expanding to new areas of Shropshire, such as Shrewsbury earlier this year, taking on more staff and seeing our financial situation grow, the care industry as a whole is not sustainable as it is," he said.
"Local authorities are simply not paying enough so packages are not being placed.
"There are people who need care who are just not getting it.
"I know we have lost work because I refuse to pay my staff less than the living wage and refuse to carry out 15 minute visits unless it is simply a welfare check, but if you begin to provide care for a cheaper rate or at a higher speed then you make compromises and often it is the quality of care."
A United Kingdom Homecare Association (UKHCA) report has recommended pay for one hour of care should be at least £15.74 but in Telford & Wrekin staff get paid £14 and in the Shropshire council area, although it does go up to £17 an hour, Mr Harris believes it is rarely above £15.
"People are coming over from Birmingham to provide care here in Shropshire," Mr Harris added.
"When I first started in the industry 18 years ago there were 20 providers in Telford & Wrekin, now there are 60.
"But there just isn't enough money in the system to have good quality care – at the moment the system is undignified.
"I fear for the future of the industry, this is the worst we have ever been."
Mr Harris said his company is growing because it is taking on a lot more private work.
