Care homes in Wales get £500 offer extended to all staff

All care home staff in Wales will receive a £500 one-off payment, after care bosses and trade unions urged the Welsh Government to expand its bonus scheme.

The Welsh Government's First Minister Mark Drakeford announced he is expanding a bonus scheme, launched last month to reward the efforts of care workers during the coronavirus pandemic, to include ancilliary staff at care homes.

First Minister Mark Drakeford said: "We have had extensive discussions with employers, local authorities and trade unions about the payment.

"I am pleased to announce it will be extended to all ancillary staff working in residential homes that have played an active role in supporting the provision of care.

'Vital support'

"Care homes operate as large households and a wide range of staff have developed valued relationships with residents and have contributed to their care and wellbeing during the coronavirus pandemic – kitchen and domestic staff, for example have helped out during this crisis, providing vital support and friendship for residents when relatives have been unable to visit.

"Activity co-ordinators have continued to engage and occupy residents in entertaining and meaningful activities. Nursing staff employed by the care home will also be included."

The payment will be a one-off flat rate payment for those in eligible jobs between 15 March and 31 May and is the same, irrespective of the number of hours they worked.

Domiciliary care workers and personal assistants, who are providing care to the most vulnerable people in Wales, are also included in the scheme.

The First Minister said "We are working to get this payment to the social care workforce as quickly as possible and are continuing to work with local authorities, Care Forum Wales and trade unions to finalise the details of how this money will be delivered."