On morning TV, I have been listening to the Health Minister who has stated that “caring for the elderly is such an important job”.

Agreed.

However, why do we allow care workers to be paid such an appalling rate of pay, barely above the minimum wage. Realistically, properly trained staff is not all that is needed , they should be paid a wage that motivates them sufficiently to meet the demands of this very responsible role.

At present proprietors of care homes pay themselves huge salaries at the expense of staff who are poorly paid, overworked and not represented by any unions in defence of their rights.

I should know. In 1998, employed as a carer, I received a 2p an hour pay rise having been promoted to senior carer – 0.38 per cent pay rise of my handsome £5.20 an hour.

I left.

N Vince
Rocheway
Rochford