CARE workers in Wales must receive the Real Living Wage as promised to them earlier this year by the Welsh Government, says public services union UNISON.

UNISON, which is the largest union representing care workers in Wales, is calling on all care workers to contact them if they are not yet receiving the Real Living Wage of £9.90 per hour, which the Welsh Government announced they would be earlier this year.

Progress on the living wage must only be a first step for the largely female workforce, many of whom are living in in-work poverty.

This pay rise is not coming from the private of third sector care providers and employers and care employers are not then providing pay increases on top of the Real Living Wage.

Community support worker Denise Thomas said: “At the beginning of pandemic, everyone came together to clap for carers.

“It’s only fair that workers in the care sector receive recognition by getting a pay rise that will allow them to absorb the increase to the cost of living.

“The sector works hard caring for the most the vulnerable in our society, and it’s about time that we support those who often work 24 hour shifts with pay that equals the work that they do.”

Mark Turner, UNISON Cymru/Wales care lead, said care workers across the UK feel undervalued and exploited.

He said: “Welsh Government has funded employers to pay care workers in Wales a minimum of the Real Living Wage (currently £9.90) from April this year.

“Most care workers will start receiving the new rate in June, backdated to April. It’s important care workers check their pay slips to see what impact the new rate has.

“UNISON is worried some employers may not be passing this on to their staff. The Real Living Wage is a start, but UNISON is continuing to fight for better pay, conditions and a voice for care workers.”

UNISON is encouraging all care workers to ask their employer if they are receiving the Real Living Wage.

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Mr Turner added: “If you’re not satisfied with the response, contact UNISON with your membership number, workplace and employers’ name via email at reallivingwagewales@unison.co.uk ."

In response, a Welsh Government spokesperson said: “We are committed to ensuring that all eligible social care workers in Wales receive the Real Living Wage and have invested over £43million to help us deliver this.

“We have also provided a further £96m earlier this year as an additional payment of £1,498 to social care workers, aligned with the Real Living Wage.

“We will continue to work closely with everyone involved in the care sector to develop further improvements in terms and conditions for social care workers, career pathways, and ensure people get the pay that they deserve.”