Articles

Leeds City Becomes the Biggest City to Sign Ethical Care Charter

05/06/2015

Leeds City Council becomes the newest and biggest city to sign up for the Ethical Care Charter by UNISON.

The council, through its leader Keith Wakefield, formally signed the charter last May 1, 2015 in an event attended UNISON Assistant General Secretary Cliff Williams, according to a press release posted in Savecarenow.org.uk.

UNISON, UK's largest public service union, launched its Ethical Care Charter in December 2013 after the publication of its “Time to Care” survey in 2012. The survey examined issues faced by hundreds of care workers in the UK back then. Majority of carers that were interviewed revealed they were not only poorly paid but were also treated unfairly, prompting UNISON to draft a charter to set minimum standards of employment to ensure safe and dignified care services are delivered in accordance with industry level.

UNISON’s charter asks councils to require providers to lessen zero hours contracts, pay carers at least the minimum statutory wage and to quickly recompense workers with the current living wage (£7.85/hour). Additionally, the charter also has provisions to ensure carers are properly trained and that only staff that are trained fully can render the services patients need.

Islington and Southwark councils became the first two signees of the Ethical Care Charter in December 2013. More than nine councils have signed up since then including, Lancashire County Council, Camden Council and Renfrewshire Council in Scotland.

Leeds City Council, however, is by far the largest city in UK to give its nod to the charter.

Mr. Williams said:"I am delighted that, as the biggest city so far to sign up to UNISON’s charter, Leeds City Council is setting a national example.”