Live-in carers help elderly people and people with disabilities with all aspects of their daily needs from getting in and out of bed, washing and grooming, toiletry needs, dressing, cooking and eating, cleaning and maintaining their home, driving, medication and much more. They also provide companionship.

Live-in carers are paid for 10 hours for each 24-hour shift they work. They are paid the hourly minimum wage, but the care companies deduct a fee from their salaries for accommodation (the accommodation offset). However, the care companies do not provide this accommodation; the client does. The client receives no payment for this. Care Companies are thus finding a loophole in the law to pay their carers less than the minimum wage.

Carers struggle to survive on such a low salary and look for better-paid jobs. Therefore, there is a shortage of professional and dedicated carers available, affecting the quality of care for the elderly and for disabled people.

Stop care companies from applying the accommodation offset. Help carers receive a decent salary and people receive the care they need and deserve.