When we emerge from this crisis, we will not allow these key workers to be forgotten
GMB, the union for care workers, says the high-skilled, predominantly female care workforce must be properly valued 50 years on from the Equal Pay Act.
The legislation, enacted on May 29, 1970, from 1970, states men and women are entitled to equal pay and allows claims for similar jobs, or jobs that are different but which the employer has rated as needing similar skill or effort and had put in the same grade.
Rehana Azam, GMB National Secretary, said:
“Fifty years on from the Equal Pay Act and we are still waiting for real equality.
"The Covid-19 outbreak has shown it is our essential workers that keep this country going. It’s time to recognise their worth.
“Nowhere is pay justice and equality needed more than the care sector. Our highly-skilled social care workforce is still not recognised for the incredible work that they do.
Fifty years on from the Equal Pay Act and we are still waiting for real equality. We demand the Government recognised the value of this accomplished, predominantly female workforce.
Rehana Azam, GMB National Secretary
“The minimum wage - or even the Real Living Wage - is not acceptable.
“We demand the Government recognised the value of this accomplished, predominantly female workforce.
“When we emerge from this crisis, we will not allow these key workers to be forgotten and a return to the ‘norm’.”
