Care Enquiries: 0744 508 9887
Recruitment: 0203 869 0022
Email: enquiries@ellashomecare.co.uk
The government has announced the creation of the first-ever Fair Pay Agreement (FPA) for adult social care workers — a major milestone aimed at giving the care workforce the recognition, voice, and conditions they deserve.
What the Agreement Means
The new Fair Pay Agreement introduces a formal process that allows employers and trade unions to negotiate directly on pay, working conditions, and employment standards across the adult social care sector in England. This will be underpinned by a new statutory body — the Adult Social Care Negotiating Body — expected to be established in 2026, with reforms coming into effect by 2028.
For the first time, care workers will have a unified platform to influence national pay structures and professional standards, helping to create a fairer, more stable, and better-rewarded sector.
Why It Matters for the Care Sector
Care workers have long described the challenges of low pay, limited progression, and poor job security despite their essential role in society. By introducing this new agreement, the government aims to address these issues head-on — tackling retention problems and boosting recruitment in a sector that supports more than a million people across the country.
The negotiations will focus on improving hourly wages, professional development, sick pay, and pensions, helping to bring conditions more in line with comparable roles in the NHS and other public services.
Voices from the Sector
Leaders and advocacy groups have welcomed the move as an important foundation for reform. Danny Mortimer, Chief Executive of NHS Employers, described it as “a positive next step in ensuring sustained investment in the social care workforce,” adding that collaboration between government, employers, and unions will be key to long-term success.
Others, like Helen Wildbore, CEO of Care Rights UK, called the announcement “a critical first step” but urged the government to move faster, noting that “sector reforms like this are needed now to address urgent workforce challenges”.
Next Steps and Consultation
The government has launched a public consultation on how the Fair Pay Agreement process will work — including who should be involved and how negotiations will be structured. Care providers, service users, trade unions, and local authority representatives are encouraged to contribute to ensure the outcome reflects sector realities.
This initiative forms part of a wider plan to “Make Work Pay” across key public service sectors, supporting career progression and strengthening the nation’s social infrastructure. It also aligns with longer-term ambitions to build a National Care Service that empowers people to live independently with dignity and support.
In summary, this Fair Pay Agreement marks a watershed moment for adult social care — promising a pathway to fairer wages, improved working conditions, and greater respect for the workforce that underpins the health and wellbeing of millions.
Read the full official announcement on GOV.UK.
