Support for homecare workers
If you are a homecare worker (aka a domiciliary care worker), there may be more financial, emotional and legal support available than you realise. Take a look at the list below.
Acas
Type of support:
Legal
"Acas is an independent public body that receives funding from the government. We provide free and impartial advice to employers, employees and their representatives on: employment rights; best practice and policies, and;
resolving workplace conflict. When things go wrong, we help to resolve workplace disputes between employers and employees"
Unison
Type of support:
Legal
For a monthly fee, you can join a trade union. Being a member of a trade union means that your voice can be better represented should the union negotiate on behalf of your workforce with the government. Trade union representatives can also provide formal support and representation in relation to any questions or concerns you have about your employment.
GMB
Type of support:
Legal
For a monthly fee, you can join a trade union. Being a member of a trade union means that your voice can be better represented should the union negotiate on behalf of your workforce with the government. Trade union representatives can also provide formal support and representation in relation to any questions or concerns you have about your employment.
Samaritans
Type of support:
Emotional
If you are feeling overwhelmed, stressed or in despair, a Samaritans volunteer will listen. Call for free on 116 123 to have a chat with a trained volunteer about what's on your mind. If you live in Wales, you can call their main number as above, or their dedicated helpline for health and social care workers on 08004840555 (English line, 7am-11pm) or 08081642777 (Welsh line, 7pm-11pm).
Care Visa Sponsor Database
Type of support:
Health & Care Worker visa holders
Created by The Autonomy Institute, "this is a database of social care providers in England licensed to sponsor workers’ visas. It was adapted from a tool developed by the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (TBIJ) for its investigation into the exploitation faced by workers who came to the UK on the health and care visa"
UK Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline
Type of support:
Health & Care Worker visa holders
The UK Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline is a victim-centred service run by the charity, Unseen. They are not affiliated with the government or the police. If you contact the helpline, advisors will treat everything you say confidentially and will not pass information to anybody (including law enforcement) without your permission, except if there is a threat to life or a child involved. Advisors at the helpline will signpost you in the direction of the most suitable support. With your permission, an advisor can help refer your case to relevant investigative agencies such as the Gangmasters & Labour Abuse Authority or the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) for modern slavery.