05-07-2025
Why are local care workers set to lose a 'market supplement'?
A SENIOR councillor will be quizzed in Carlisle next week over why care workers are set to lose a 'market supplement'?
Members of Cumberland Council are due to meet at the Civic Centre on Tuesday (July 8) where councillor Roger Dobson (Corby and Hayton, Lib Dems) will ask councillor Lisa Hinton (Currock, Labour) a question.
He will ask: 'Could cllr Hinton, deputy leader (statutory) and portfolio holder for adult social care inform members why we are ending the 50p per hour market supplement for care workers?
'Does she feel that the new lower wage will enable us to retain and recruit staff in this vital area of council provision?'
According to the Senior Leader Pay Policy Statement 2024 there may be occasions when it is difficult to resource posts within the council that it becomes necessary to take account of the external pay levels in the labour market.
It states: 'In these circumstances and to attract and retain employees with particular experience, skills and capacity, the council where necessary will ensure the requirement for such is objectively justified by reference to clear and transparent evidence of relevant market comparators, using data sources available from within the local government sector and outside, as appropriate.
'Subject to approval and in accordance with the council's market supplement scheme a market supplement to the salary scale for the grade may be considered.'
It adds: 'The council will review market alignment every two years against the Korn Ferry national public sector market to support future pay decisions and minimise market supplements and pay drift.'
