As a care worker in Salford , Yemi Opere often finds himself working overtime just to make ends meet.
The 36-year-old can spend days apart from his young children so he can earn enough to support them.
His long hours and low pay has forced him to rely much of his spending on credit cards.
But, along with thousands of others in the industry, his struggles are finally set to ease with the Real Living Wage.
Salford City Council has announced it will commit to paying all social care workers in the city the increased wage from April 1.
The pay increase will benefit over 4,000 care workers in Salford and will increase salaries to £9.90 per hour.
Yemi believes the announcement is finally a step in the right direction.
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“I have two children and a partner and they know what it’s like for me not to be at home,” he said.
“We work all those hours and it’s not been reflected in our pay. It’s been a long process.
“I’m overjoyed and happy that it’s finally going in the right direction.
“It’s nice to get recognition for the work we’re doing. In this line of work, you don’t get much praise or recognition, it’s not easy to come by.
“With inflation and interest rates going out, our pay hasn't really mirrored that.
“It's always stagnant and has stayed the same.
“As a result of that, it's put pressure on me having to put stuff on credit cards. Now I won't have to rely on them as much.
“Having the uplift will give me more comfort in being able to provide for my family and have a better quality of life.
“I give my residents high-quality support, so it’s nice I’m able to do that for my family and ease the pressures.”
Care worker Paul Downs, who lives in Bolton, also appreciates finally receiving recognition for the work care staff do.
And while he appreciates the pay rise, he thinks more needs to be done to support those working in the industry.
It’s a wonderful thing being paid the £9,90, but when you look at what support workers go through, it’s still not enough,” he told the M.E.N.
“There are a lot of benefits but I don’t think it will solve the issues.
“I do think a lot of people will think, ‘For 20p less, I can stack shelves and I don’t have to be spat at’.
“There’s a lot on your shoulders for such a little amount of money.
“I don’t think much will change but it’s a start. I don’t think things will change long-term but it’s a bit of a lift getting a pay rise.
“I do appreciate it but I think the crisis is a bit too deep and big for it to solve a lot of issues.”
Support worker Melissa Thomas, who lives in Peel Green with her two children, feels as though the pay rise will mean she can spend more time at home.
“We would work around 80 hours a week during the pandemic,” she said.
“I choose my job over my children the majority of the time, so this pay rise will give me more time at home.
“It’s just the appreciation of it and being recognised. People are fighting for better pay for us and that’s what's important.”
City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “We have been working hard with colleagues in the Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) as we prepare for next year’s budget and I am delighted to announce that all our care workers, our heroes of lockdown, will receive the Real Living Wage. It is absolutely without doubt the right thing to do, our care workers who have actively been our fourth emergency service throughout the pandemic deserve every penny!
“We have strived to extend the Real Living Wage to social care employees for some time and is more important than ever after two years when they have protected and cared for our most vulnerable, it is only morally right and fair that we recognise their hard work and dedication.
“We have appealed for Government to address the health and social care crisis but can’t continue to sit back and watch the exodus of people from the sector
“The decision is one of the ways that we are tackling poverty in the city, as these are amongst the lowest paid workers. The National Living Wage will be £9.50 from April 2022. The Real Living Wage will lift that to £9.90 per hour which is an extra £768 per year, making a definite difference to people’s lives.
“In a time when the costs of living are escalating, the Care Quality Commission has found vacancies in social care have doubled since April 2021, we need to value and keep committed, caring people in these critical roles within our city, looking after our loved ones
“We pride ourselves on working to be a Living Wage City and it is important more than ever that no one is left behind. We ask businesses and agencies in the city to join us in paying the Real Living Wage, to put money back into the purses and pockets of local people.”
Dr Tom Tasker, GP and chair of NHS Salford Clinical Commissioning Group, added: “Care workers play a critical role in looking after some of the most vulnerable people in Salford, ensuring they receive the best possible care.
“We recognise that all care workers have a challenging and demanding job which has been especially difficult throughout the coronavirus pandemic.
“I a delighted that our commitment to the Real Living Wage means that all care workers’ salaries will be uplifted, and I want to personally thank all care staff for their valuable contribution to the health and care system in Salford.
“Costs of living are rising, and we value the commitment that each of our care workers put into their challenging role. It is very important that we keep these people in these roles looking after our family, friends and loved ones.”
