HC-One, the UK’s leading care provider, has announced a £32.5 million investment in Colleague pay in 2023.
The investment will mean that those in HC-One’s lowest band of pay will receive an almost 10% (9.63%) increase in their base rate of pay. Increases will be similarly reflected across HC-One’s zonal structure and more senior care roles. The new pay rates will come into effect from 1st April 2023.
This investment will mean that all HC-One Colleagues earn above the National Living Wage from day one of employment, all HC-One care Colleagues can earn above Real Living Wage after two years of service, and it is projected that 75% of all Colleagues will be above the Real Living Wage once the new rates are applied.
Today’s announcement ensures the majority of HC-One’s Home Colleagues will have gained increases over the year substantially above both private and public sector average awards. This comes against a backdrop of exceptionally challenging financial pressures facing Local Authority funded care services.
With their latest £32.5 million investment, HC-One aims to make sure that people seeking a career in care right across the UK can earn above the Real Living Wage and that care is seen as a truly rewarding career choice.
HC-One strives to be an environment where Colleagues are retained, are supported to grow, and make the most of the award-winning learning and development opportunities no matter their role or level in the organisation. To encourage people to continue developing their career in care, Colleagues are able to benefit from higher rates of pay after six months’ service and again after two years’ service. This year HC-One is increasing the two-year service rates for all care Colleagues by an additional 5p/hour in recognition of the expertise gained with experience.
This offer has been developed following consultation with the GMB, the recognised union for HC-One’s care Colleagues, and is currently being balloted on by its members. We continue to consult with the GMB, and we remain hopeful that this will be received positively.
James Tugendhat, Chief Executive Officer at HC-One, said:
“I am delighted that we are announcing another substantial investment in Colleague pay. Everything we do for those in our care starts with our frontline Colleagues and we are determined to better reward Colleagues for the incredible work they do. The challenges in the social care labour market are well known, and this investment will also be key in helping us to attract as well as retain the best and most experienced Colleagues.
“We also want Colleagues to feel they can build a career with HC-One, and we’re proud the opportunities we can offer for growth throughout the company, as well our new wider employee benefits, including our revamped rewards platform and enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave packages.
“We are also continuing to engage at length with our Local Authority and NHS partners, who fund the majority of the Residents we support, to secure fee uplifts that will enable us to go further on Colleague pay so we can continue to build the social care workforce to enjoy the professional recognition that their invaluable contribution deserves.”