The King’s Speech on 17 July laid out ambitious plans for growth, wealth creation and tackling barriers to opportunities. This high level of political ambition was fitting for the new Labour Government. But it is important that this vision for a more prosperous future is inclusive, addressing the needs of the entire workforce and promoting a stronger culture of social justice.

There was no specific reference to social care in the King’s Speech which is disappointing and frustrating to the vast number of people working tirelessly to sustain good quality services within a crumbling sector. However, there is room for some degree of optimism, given the pace at which the Government appears to be moving to introduce legislation which could positively impact some of the dire challenges facing the sector.  For example, the promise of an Employment Rights Bill within the first 100 days indicates some understanding of the urgency. The CWU will be tracking progress against this first important milestone, which as other commentators have already said could be a potential game changer. 

Whilst a more robust legislative framework provides an important foundation, effective implementation must include information and awareness raising campaigns targeting the entire workforce.  Also, effective oversight arrangements to stem the exploitative workplace culture, which has been allowed to grow unchecked for decades.  The creation of a Fair Work Agency is another important step, and its teeth will be the litmus test.  Of course, it will take time to tackle the scale of malpractice prevalent across the sector. Unscrupulous employers will need to be exposed and flushed out of the system, if unwilling to take the necessary steps to shape up. Efforts will be needed to ensure Whistleblowing Policies can provide adequate protection for employees who expose wrongdoing. Such internal accountability measures should be seen as an essential part of driving improvements within the sector.

We know from CWU’s growing membership and direct contact with those on the front line, that the social care sector employs some of the most dedicated and courageous workers, but also some of the most vulnerable, especially those on sponsored visas who are most susceptible to discrimination. Plans to introduce an Equality (Race and Disability) Bill is encouraging.  We also welcome the focus on delivering long needed reforms to the Mental Health Act.

Sector leads Skills for Care recently published a first ever Workforce Strategy for Adult Social Care in England, which emphasises understanding the value of social care and planning for the future.  We also welcome this important contribution to policy development and scope for partnerships overall.  Encouraging more people to think that they can pursue a rewarding career in the social care sector is the ultimate goal.  Legislation is just the start.