Plans to curb the use of zero-hours contracts, and to protect care time in the social care sector, have been unveiled by the Welsh Labour Government. Under proposals being put out to consultation, employers will need to offer workers in the domiciliary care sector on zero-hours contracts the choice of moving to a minimum-hours contract after three months of continued employment.
Care providers will also be required to differentiate clearly between travel time and care time when preparing employees’ schedules. They will need to take into consideration issues such as the distance between visits and rush hour traffic.
Mid and West Labour AM Eluned Morgan said, “The proposed changes will help employees in the care sector as they will have the stability of contracted hours. Staff turnover is a very real issue and this is one of the reasons why, so the proposals will also help the people being cared for.
“This is about fairness and once again shows that the Welsh Labour Government are standing up for the many, listening to what employees in the sector are saying.
“Requiring providers to distinguish clearly between travel time and care time when arranging services will also improve the experience of people needing care. Doing so will help tackle ‘call-clipping’, ensuring people’s care and support time is not eroded by travel time between visits.
“I encourage anybody with a view on these important issues to contribute to the Welsh Government’s consultation.”
The consultation can be found at:
https://consultations.gov.wales/consultations/phase-2-implementation-regulation-and-inspection-social-care-wales-act-2016-workforce
