ALMOST three quarters of Essex’s care workers earn less than a living wage, despite their pandemic heroics.

Essex County Councillors will tomorrow debate a Labour motion recognising care staff’s “fantastic work” during the pandemic but pointing out that most continue to earn less than a living wage.

UNISON union and care workers are calling on councillors to guarantee a living wage and decent sick pay for the sector.

Living Wage Foundation research last year revealed 71 per cent of Essex care workers are paid less than £9.50 an hour, the minimum necessary to meet everyday needs.

The motion also calls on the council to ensure care workers receive Covid-related sick pay if they catch the virus or have to isolate and occupational sick pay, rather than the £96 guaranteed by law.

“Care staff have made huge personal sacrifices to care for Essex’s most vulnerable residents over the last year and a half, but many of them can’t afford to make ends meet,” UNISON Eastern head of social care Caroline Hennessy said.

“This isn’t about party politics, it’s about valuing these skilled professionals. Staff are leaving in droves because they can find better-paid and less stressful jobs elsewhere. Already stretched services could be torn apart under the pressure.

“Councillors have a real chance not just to improve care workers’ live, but the lives of those they’re looking after too. We urge them to take it.”

UNISON warns that without higher pay the whole sector could collapse from lack of staff.

A National Care Forum survey last month found 74 per cent of providers had seen an increase in staff exits since April. Half of employers said staff left for an easier job, with nearly as many 44 per cent saying it was to find better pay elsewhere.