The Minister confirmed that a £209 million funding package has been designated for public sector healthcare workers who fall under established pay review structures, including the Doctors and Dentists Review Body and the NHS Pay Review Body. However, this allocation does not currently extend to workers employed in independent social care settings.
In a statement, Minister Nesbitt said he remains fully committed to resolving all pay issues in the future and to funding the Real Living Wage at the earliest affordable opportunity. He noted that Real Living Wage funding would be a key priority during the planning process for the 2026 to 2027 financial year, and that any future uplift would be ring fenced, allocated transparently and delivered with clear timing.
While acknowledging the frustration felt within the sector, the Minister said he hopes positive working relationships can be maintained and emphasised his appreciation for the dedicated social care professionals who play a vital role in the wider health and social care system.
The decision to exclude independent sector care workers from the current pay uplift has intensified concern surrounding several long standing issues, including:
• Pay parity between public and independent care staff
• Recruitment and retention challenges across independent services
• The financial stability of workers who provide essential care
• The long term sustainability of independent care providers
Alan Perry, GMB Senior Organiser, said:
“Many of our members in the independent care sector are only paid the National Minimum Wage.
“They are absolutely appalled and extremely angry at this announcement and feel completely let down by the Minister.
“For many this is not simply a job, it is a vocation to care for the elderly and the most vulnerable in our society.
“Once again they are let down by this Minister and they have had enough of his broken promises.”
