AM WELCOMES PLANS TO CURB ZERO HOURS IN SOCIAL CARE

Assembly Member for Pontypridd for Pontypridd, Mick Antoniw has welcomed the Welsh Government’s plans to curb zero hour’s contracts in social care.

Plans to curb the use of zero-hours contracts and protect care time in the social care sector, are being put out to consultation.  Under the proposals 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.

New measures to stop the practice of “call-clipping’ have also been announced.  Requiring care providers to differentiate clearly between travel time and care time when preparing employees’ schedules, giving due regard to issues such as the distance between visits and rush hour traffic.  This should protect time spent with those that require care.

Mick Antoniw said:

“Many people in Pontypridd and Taff Ely work within the social care sector and the changes being consulted on will help employees to have the stability of contracted hours.  They will also help those who are being cared for by reducing staff turnover.

“These proposals are about fairness and once again show that this Welsh Labour Government are standing up for the many and 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 our consultation.”