Northern Ireland U-Turn on Living Wage Creates Uncertainty
A recent decision by Northern Ireland Health Minister Mike Nesbitt regarding wage increases for social care workers has prompted significant concern within the independent care sector, with sector representatives highlighting the potential impact on workforce stability and staff financial wellbeing.
The Minister has clarified that a £209 million funding package designated for public sector healthcare workers will benefit those covered under established pay review mechanisms, including the Doctors’ and Dentists’ Review Body and NHS Pay Review Body structures. However, this financial provision does not currently include workers employed within independent social care settings.
In a statement, Minister Nesbitt said he remains “fully committed to resolving all our pay issues going forward and to funding the RLW at the earliest affordable opportunity.” He added that RLW funding would be a key priority during planning for the 2026/27 financial year, and that any future uplift would be “ring fenced, allocated transparently and with clear timing.”
Acknowledging the frustration caused, the Minister said he hopes positive relationships across the sector can be maintained and emphasised his recognition of the “dedicated social care professionals who play such a vital role in our health and social care system.
The exclusion of independent sector care workers from the current pay uplift arrangements has raised questions about:
• Pay parity between public and independent sector care staff
• Recruitment and retention challenges within independent care provision
• The financial security of workers delivering essential care services
• The sustainability of the independent care sector’s operational capacity
Alan Perry, GMB Senior Organiser, said:
“Many of GMB’s members in the independent care sector are only paid the National Minimum Wage.
“They are totally appalled and extremely angry by this announcement and feel completely let down by the Minister.
“For many this is not a job, it’s a vocation to care for the elderly and most vulnerable in our society.
“Once again are let down by this Minister; they’ve had enough of his broken promises.”
