Social care

We defend the rights of all adult social care workers

We’re working for a social care sector that is valued, respected and trusted by workers, service users and society.

We negotiate nationally, regionally and locally to improve pay, terms and conditions and job security for workers in social care.  As the largest union in the sector, UNISON will lead negotiations on behalf of all care workers for a fair pay agreement.

With our collective voice, we call for change on the big issues affecting your working life. We provide expert support when you need it. We negotiate on your behalf. We support your local rep in your workplace and our activists across social care.  

We are leading the campaign for a National Care Service that will enforce national standards, give care commissioners support and direction, and secure a national fair pay agreement for workers in social care.

A fair pay agreement for social care

UNISON has secured a commitment from the government to implement a fair pay agreement (FPA) in adult social care. This will be an annual sectoral agreement between unions, employers, and the government to deliver a legally enforceable boost to pay and conditions for all care workers.

UNISON is engaging with our members, employers, sector groups and with the government to shape the FPA process and enforce it across social care. We want this to happen quickly to address the workforce crisis in social care, and get care workers the pay boost they urgently need.

Who we represent

Our members, working for private sector companies, charities, not for profit organisations and in the public sector, look after vulnerable people wherever they are, including:

• clients’ homes and supported housing;
• community and residential settings;
• supported housing.