Last week, June 12 -18, marked Carers Week 2017.

With growing pressures on employees within the Domiciliary Care Sector, Welsh Government’s unveiling of their plans to curb zero-hours contracts and protect care time in this sector, was welcome news.

On June 12, Social Services Minister, Rebecca Evans, unveiled the proposals, which are now out for consultation. The measures proposed would mean that employers will need to offer workers in the domiciliary care sector on zero-hours contracts, the choice to move to a minimum hours contract after three months of continued employment.

For too long, the insecurity of zero-hours contracts has been hugely detrimental to the everyday lives of its employees.

As a consequence of the ‘fairer deal’ the Minister has proposed for employees within the care sector, the quality of care is expected to be protected. This is not only due to the additional stability for the employee themselves but also due to what I hope will mean better continuity of care for service users as a result of that stability.

As well as this, measures proposed also aim to tackle issues surrounding travel time and giving due regard to distance in-between home visits to ensure that care time is protected.

Those working in the care sector do a vital job. I therefore welcome the steps the Welsh Government is taking to improving their employment opportunities and the other steps that are in tryain to enhance the status of care workers in Wales.

To respond to the consultation which closes on the 7th August, please visit the Welsh Government’s website: https://consultations.gov.wales/

For further information, please contact my office on 0300 200 7508 or email lynne.neagle@assembly.wales