Publication of the justification report for the Real Living Wage uplift for social care staff
Date published:
The Department of Health has published a report setting out the evidence base for improving pay and terms and conditions across the independent social care sector.
It sets out the case for implementing the Real Living Wage (RLW) for independent sector social care staff.
The Social Care Fair Work Forum (FWF) Justification Document provides a comprehensive evidence base to inform and support the Forum’s ongoing work in advocating for greater investment across the social care sector.
Detailed survey work was undertaken with both social care employees and employers in Northern Ireland to understand the sector’s current pay, terms and conditions.
Health Minister Mike Nesbitt said: “I am pleased to be able to publish today my Department’s Fair Work Forum (FWF) Justification Document, which presents evidence-based arguments in favour of greater investment in the independent social care sector, including implementing a Real Living Wage uplift.
“I remain fully committed to funding the Real Living Wage at the earliest affordable opportunity. This will be a priority for me in the planning of our expenditure for the financial year 2026/27.”
The Social Care Fair Work Forum’s Evidence Base/ Justification Document to Support Implementation of the Real Living Wage (RLW) can be read in full here RLW Justification Report | Department of Health
Notes to editors:
Notes to editors:
- The Social Care Fair Work Forum, established in 2021, developed proposals for implementing a Real Living Wage across the adult social care sector in Northern Ireland. The FWF engaged specialist support from the Ulster University Economic Policy Unit and Morrow Gilchrist Associates (MGA) to assist with the work, which resulted in the production of the Justification Document.
- The Social Care Fair Work Forum is made up of representatives of employers, trade unions, government departments and other statutory agencies who are working together to influence priorities and policy regarding fair work in the social care sector in Northern Ireland.
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