It has emerged that staff in Bedford Borough Council’s care homes are not being paid the ‘Living Wage’ in contrast with all other members of staff employed by the authority.
On 1st April 2014 management of the Council’s six care homes transferred back into the hands of the Council following 15 years under the control of Bupa. Following queries from the Council’s Conservative Group it has become clear that since the transfer, staff at the care homes have not been paid the Living Wage of £7.45 an hour and are still subject to the Minimum Wage of £6.50. This is despite the Council’s adoption of a policy last year to pay all members of staff the Living Wage from April 2014.
Cllr Stephen Moon, Leader of the Conservative Group said:
‘It is a staggering failure by the Labour Portfolio Holder with responsibility for the care homes that staff are not being paid the Living Wage. This is not just contrary to Council policy but also grossly unfair.
‘It is ironic that the Labour Group Leader recently congratulated herself and her Group on achieving the Living Wage for Council employees.
‘Staff at the Council’s care homes do a difficult job in an at times challenging environment. Like all Council employees they deserve to be paid the Living Wage and I would urge the Council to take the necessary steps to ensure this happens as soon as possible.’