Britain’s care workers have been heroes during this pandemic. They have compromised their safety in order to look after our most vulnerable.

Unfortunately, though, care workers’ pay often doesn’t match the importance of their job. It is a national disgrace that 3 out of every 4 carers are not paid the living wage, meaning the people who have made such sacrifices during the pandemic often struggle to support themselves and their families.

That’s why the Labour Party is demanding that carers across the UK earn at least £10 per hour. Our carers did so much for our nation even before the pandemic: it is now well past time for the Government to give care workers the pay rise they deserve. This wage increase would add an extra £50 per week into the pocket of some carers, giving them thanks for all of their hard work both before and during the pandemic.

This isn’t just the right thing to do, it will also help to secure our economy and put us on the path to growth. Every extra pound in the pocket of an underpaid care worker will be spent in local businesses or on the local high street and will stimulate our economy.

It’s a national scandal that so many of Britain’s care workers earn less than the living wage. It’s about time the Government acted to ensure care workers  are given the pay and recognition they deserve.