Encouraging People to Care
/There are many false perceptions about working in the care industry that we believe contribute to lack of adequate staffing in the sector.
It can be an incredibly difficult, yet underpaid job. (Many support worker wages start at £7 an hour, which is over £3 under the London Living Wage.)
There are, however, solid career trajectories for anyone entering the industry, even if they start without any qualifications. For instance, someone can start as a support worker; study for the Health and Social Care Level 2 qualification whilst working; rise to a senior level position and then even go onto manager a home.
Though working in care is reported to be one of the most fulfilling jobs, parents are still more likely to discourage their children from embarking on a career in care (Anchor Harvester Group research)*.
It’s also been reported that 35% of people would perceive caring as a ‘women’s career’, perhaps leading to the great deficit of males working in the industry. (As of 2018, only 18% of the care industry work force identify as male.)**
Carers are often humble people who do not broadcast the great work they do or indeed, the satisfaction they glean from it. Care work is still degraded in our society. This needs to change not only if we are going to encourage more hardworking people into the industry, but also if we are going to create more widespread care and understanding for those who require support.
