Care home provider joins forces with care workers union to promote staff rights

Graham Care which runs eight care homes in Surrey, Kent and Sussex has signed an agreement with GMB, the union for care workers, enabling its care workers to use the union if they wish to air any grievances.

GMB called it a welcoming and innovative approach to industrial relations in the care sector.

The agreement was signed on a voluntary basis by both parties and will also enable care staff to access training in care, equality, hygiene, maths, English and ICT.

Paul Maloney, GMB regional secretary, said: “This is a welcoming and innovative approach to industrial relations in the care sector where funding is being cut on a yearly basis by central Government and county councils.

“GMB is committed to working together with employers to ensure that care is fully funded from county councils and that care of the elderly and people with mental health issues does not become a Cinderella service. I look forward to a long and fruitful working relationship with Graham Care.”

Ernie Graham, co-owner of Graham Care, added: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with GMB and look forward to a long and fruitful relationship in the future. The health and wellbeing of our residents is our top priority and GMB share our aim to facilitate this by means of maximising opportunities for our staff, who are our most important asset.”

Graham Care Group was founded in 1996 by husband and wife, Ernie and Karen Graham.