Unprecedented joint open letter sent to Secretary of State for Health and Social Care registering concerns with government decisions on adult social care

Today Dimensions has signed an unprecedented joint open letter that has been sent to the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Wes Streeting. The letter is signed and endorsed by over 30 social care leaders, and people with lived experience, representing organisations and voices from the whole of the sector. It registers concern with the new government’s decision to scrap funding that was set aside for the training and upskilling of social care workers.

“Significant delays by the previous government left social care vulnerable to cuts because programmes were not nailed down. We urge this government not to continue that pattern. Future commitments must be steeped in an understanding of the importance of valuing and respecting those whose everyday lives depend on social care delivery and employment. For millions of people, social care has the power to transform everyday life. Cutting these vital programmes has not only a material impact on all of their lives, but the lives of loved ones, friends, and families.”
It also says:

Rachael Dodgson, Dimensions Chief Executive added:

“It is disappointing to see the direction Labour has taken on social care during its first month in office. The government says funding for Adult Social Care Learning and Development will remain at the same level as last year, but the details have not been announced. We know that cost-of-living increases are causing skilled care and support workers to move to better-paid roles elsewhere. At Dimensions, we want to work with the Government to develop a funded Fair Pay Agreement for the sector and we need assurances about the timeframe for its introduction. This would be a positive step to attract and retain staff and to recognise the skills and expertise of the workforce.”