Every day, care workers support the elderly, vulnerable adults, and young people across the UK. They manage medication, handle safeguarding responsibilities, complete complex documentation, and provide emotional and physical support in high-pressure environments. Yet many are paid barely above minimum wage some as little as £12.80 per hour.

This is not reflective of the responsibility, professionalism, or risk involved.

Care staff frequently work long shifts, sleep-ins, and consecutive days away from their families. Many face verbal, racial, and physical abuse at work. Some feel unable to call in sick due to staffing shortages. Protections against workplace abuse are inconsistent, and consequences are often unclear. No skilled profession should operate under these conditions while being treated as low-value labour.

Despite significant government funding flowing to private care providers through local authorities, frontline carers often see little improvement in pay or protections. Pay rates vary by borough and company, creating inequality across the sector.

We are calling on UK Parliament to debate and implement:

A national minimum pay rate for all care workers, set significantly above the general minimum wage, regardless of borough or provider.
Formal recognition of care work as a skilled and professional occupation.
Stronger legal protections and enforceable consequences for abuse against care staff.
Greater transparency to ensure public funding directly benefits frontline workers.
National standards for staff welfare, insurance, and safe working conditions.

Care workers uphold dignity, safety, and quality of life for thousands across the nation. Fair pay and proper protection are not privileges  they are necessities.

Sign this petition to demand national action now.