§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what proposals he has to provide minimum guaranteed hours of employment to home helps and care workers. [184935]
§ Angela SmithIn Northern Ireland, decisions about minimum hours of employment for home helps and analogous staff are a matter for HSS Trusts in the context of presenting need, resources and service priorities.
The primary objective for HSS Trusts is to deliver effective, efficient and flexible community care services to persons in need. However, HSS Trusts do endeavour to allocate sufficient work to home helps and the other home care staff they employ that give viable work opportunities while seeking to manage the presenting demand for these services.
§ Mr. BeggsTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken in Northern Ireland(a) to make conditions of employment more attractive for and (b) otherwise to reward the dedication and service provided in the community by care workers and home helps. [184936]
§ Angela SmithThe Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety is currently negotiating with representatives of local Social Services Staff with the aim of including this group of staff in the new pay system for Health Service staff, Agenda for Change. This is a major initiative being undertaken jointly by all four UK Health Departments in partnership with the main trade unions representing staff to modernise the NHS and HPSS Pay System. The objective of the new pay system is to ensure equal pay for work of equal value and to provide opportunities for staff to develop their knowledge and skills.
346WThe new pay system is currently being tested within 12 sites in the NHS in England, and is scheduled to be introduced within the HPSS in Northern Ireland with effect from October 2004.