This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/social-care-network/2016/dec/06/jobs-learning-disability-services-risk-wage

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 2 Version 3
One in 10 jobs in learning disability services at risk – report One in 10 jobs in learning disability services at risk – report One in 10 jobs in learning disability services at risk – report
(about 2 hours later)
Learning disability services could be most at risk from continued failure to deliver increased funding for social care, a report by independent experts is warning.Learning disability services could be most at risk from continued failure to deliver increased funding for social care, a report by independent experts is warning.
Up to 30,000 jobs – one in 10 – in learning disability services could be axed over the next four years as rises in the government’s “national living wage” (NLW) hit providers particularly hard, according to the analysis.Up to 30,000 jobs – one in 10 – in learning disability services could be axed over the next four years as rises in the government’s “national living wage” (NLW) hit providers particularly hard, according to the analysis.
To enable providers to break even, the report suggests, annual funding increases of at least 5% will be needed through to 2020, when ministers have said the NLW will be worth more than £9 an hour for workers aged 25 or over. It is currently £7.20, rising to £7.50 next April.To enable providers to break even, the report suggests, annual funding increases of at least 5% will be needed through to 2020, when ministers have said the NLW will be worth more than £9 an hour for workers aged 25 or over. It is currently £7.20, rising to £7.50 next April.
The report, commissioned by learning disability charity HFT, will add to pressure on ministers to announce extra funding for social care in the annual local government finance settlement, expected before Christmas.The report, commissioned by learning disability charity HFT, will add to pressure on ministers to announce extra funding for social care in the annual local government finance settlement, expected before Christmas.
Social care leaders were shocked by the absence of any help for the sector in the chancellor’s autumn statement. They hope that subsequent protests by Conservative-led councils and Tory backbenchers will force a quick change of heart.Social care leaders were shocked by the absence of any help for the sector in the chancellor’s autumn statement. They hope that subsequent protests by Conservative-led councils and Tory backbenchers will force a quick change of heart.
Robert Longley-Cook, HFT’s chief executive, said: “The situation is simply unsustainable and could ultimately lead to some of the most vulnerable adults in society ending up without the vital support that they need.”Robert Longley-Cook, HFT’s chief executive, said: “The situation is simply unsustainable and could ultimately lead to some of the most vulnerable adults in society ending up without the vital support that they need.”
About 150,000 adults in England receive learning disability services. Unlike the older people’s sector, there is little or no private payment enabling providers to cross-subsidise people funded by the state.About 150,000 adults in England receive learning disability services. Unlike the older people’s sector, there is little or no private payment enabling providers to cross-subsidise people funded by the state.
The analysis for HFT, prepared by economics and business consultancy CEBR, suggests that wage rates are particularly low in learning disability services – a median average of £7.60 an hour, falling to £6.98 for all direct care workers including those under 25 – and that the 10,500 employers in the sector face an increase of 10.2% in their pay bill by 2020.The analysis for HFT, prepared by economics and business consultancy CEBR, suggests that wage rates are particularly low in learning disability services – a median average of £7.60 an hour, falling to £6.98 for all direct care workers including those under 25 – and that the 10,500 employers in the sector face an increase of 10.2% in their pay bill by 2020.
Alasdair Cavalla, senior economist at CEBR, said: “While the NLW should be beneficial to the economy overall, clearly it cannot be implemented within largely state-funded sectors without a corresponding increase in the funding going to these sectors.”Alasdair Cavalla, senior economist at CEBR, said: “While the NLW should be beneficial to the economy overall, clearly it cannot be implemented within largely state-funded sectors without a corresponding increase in the funding going to these sectors.”
The report notes that residential learning disability services made a “relatively low” estimated average surplus of 6% in 2015 and now face higher costs not just because of the NLW, but also because of rising rents for properties and the knock-on effect of the NLW on sleep-in pay rates for care workers on shifts.The report notes that residential learning disability services made a “relatively low” estimated average surplus of 6% in 2015 and now face higher costs not just because of the NLW, but also because of rising rents for properties and the knock-on effect of the NLW on sleep-in pay rates for care workers on shifts.
Typical surpluses for non-residential services are not estimated, owing to lack of data, but are thought likely to be even lower.Typical surpluses for non-residential services are not estimated, owing to lack of data, but are thought likely to be even lower.
Of 36 social care providers surveyed for the report, 29 of them offering learning disability provision, more than half expected to be in deficit within three years and a third said they had already cut staff.Of 36 social care providers surveyed for the report, 29 of them offering learning disability provision, more than half expected to be in deficit within three years and a third said they had already cut staff.
Join the Social Care Network to read more pieces like this. Follow us on Twitter (@GdnSocialCare) and like us on Facebook to keep up with the latest social care news and views.Join the Social Care Network to read more pieces like this. Follow us on Twitter (@GdnSocialCare) and like us on Facebook to keep up with the latest social care news and views.