£500 bonus for local care workers

The Government’s Covid-19 bonus payment to care workers has been welcomed by a local agency operating across the Welshpool area.

The Welsh Government is paying a £500 one-off bonus for all social care workers, as a gesture to show that their hard work is appreciated and recognised.

Caroline Jones, Regional Manager at Abacare, which provides care across Welshpool, said: “Since the Coronavirus pandemic people have had their eyes opened to the exceptional, life-saving work social care workers carry out to protect the most vulnerable in our society and to see this recognised by the Welsh Government in the form of a £500 bonus for social care workers is absolutely fantastic. 

“We already know how amazing our care staff are and we reward them wherever we can, but at the moment we are facing huge PPE costs, so for the government to step in and thank everyone working on the frontline at the moment, is a huge help for all.

“It is great to see carers getting the recognition they deserve. They have all also felt thoroughly appreciated during the Thursday night clap for carers and NHS workers and we feel this newfound appreciation will continue once the pandemic is over too.”

The Welsh Government confirmed it was working with local authorities, which commission social care services in Wales, and with trade unions and Care Forum Wales, to finalise the small print.

It has also said that the payment will also apply to people on zero hours’ contracts.

The first minister has also called on the UK Government not to tax the extra payment, enabling social care workers to keep the full amount.

Due to the current pandemic, Abacare needs to boost its team numbers immediately, so it can continue to protect its service users and the NHS.

It is calling on anyone who is currently fit and healthy but unable to work, following business closures and restrictions, to sign up for a care role and to help in their own communities.

Anyone interested should call 01686 625644. Their office team will be able to have a chat with you and they will be able to set up interviews via Skype or Facetime to talk through everything.

You can also find out more information about job vacancies at www.indeed.com/cmp/Abacare.