It is “completely unacceptable” that care workers are being targeted for their race or religion, or being prevented from delivering care due to racist attacks and violent disorder.
That was the message from the Care Quality Commission after reports of health and social care workers being put at risk during the wave of riots that has swept the UK since last week.
The regulator’s statement came as the Care Workers Union (CWU) – a new union for staff working in the sector – said that its members had reported feeling under threat.
Care staff ‘working under threat of violence’
“Many of our members, a significant number of whom are from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds, have reported a disturbing increase in fear and concern for their safety, as well as that of those they care for.
“This is not merely about discomfort; it’s about being able to perform life-saving duties under the threat of violence and aggression.”
Their statements came after a care agency reported that one of its staff had had his car burnt out, while on a 12-hour shift in a care home, during the riot in Middlesbrough on Sunday (4 August).
Clare’s Care Ltd launched a fundraising page to buy the staff member – Brendan – a new car, which, as of today, had raised almost £50,000.
Employers ‘must urgently reinforce safety protocols’
The CWU said that employers and management “must urgently reinforce safety protocols, ensuring that care workers can perform their critical roles without fear”.
“This includes robust support systems and immediate responses to any threats against care workers’ safety,” it added.
The CQC added: “We know that health and care leaders are doing all they can to mitigate the impact while ensuring the safety and wellbeing of their staff and on people who use services.”
‘We are deeply grateful for the dedication of care teams’
The Care Provider Alliance (CPA), the umbrella body for representative organisations across the care sector, said it was concerned about the welfare of staff.
“Our primary focus remains on ensuring the continuity of vital care and support services to those who need them,” said Jane Towson, the chair of the CPA. “We are deeply grateful for the dedication of care teams across the country who continue to provide essential support, despite the risks.”
“We also want to thank the police for keeping everyone safe and supporting essential workers during this tough time,” Towson added. “We condemn any acts that threaten public safety or hinder the provision of essential services.”
“The CPA firmly believes that positive change is most effectively achieved through open and peaceful dialogue, democratic engagement, and a commitment to building strong, inclusive communities. We condemn any acts that threaten public safety or hinder the provision of essential services”.
Social work bodies condemn riots
These statements follow widespread condemnation of the racist disorder by several other social work and social care organisations, some of whom also raised concerns about the safety of practitioners.
In its statement, the AMHP Leads Network urged service leaders to review existing arrangements to “ensure comprehensive support for their teams’ well-being and safety”.
“It may be necessary to consider staff safety, particularly where there are cross-organisational arrangements, out of hours working, lone working and where staff members are not always in direct line of sight of their organisations,” it added.
“We strongly encourage AMHP services to regularly check in on their colleagues and those they interact with, offering support whenever necessary.”
Multiple convictions
The Crown Prosecution Service has reported that 149 people have been charged in relation to the disorder so far, with several having already been convicted of offences including violent disorder, racially or religiously aggravated harassment and using words or behaviour to stir up racial hatred.
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I guess you meant unacceptable
Oh so sorry that was very careless of me.
Corrected now.
Thank you for pointing it out.
“Care workers targeted because of their race or religion”. So, did the people who done such a henious crime know the race or religion of the car owner? Did the rioters know the race or religion of the Shoe Zone they targeted? Honestly, media like this just causes more divide and makes every person who is white and non religious a suspect. Much like how some people think every Muslim is a suspect extremist.
Given that you don’t know if the care worker was targeted because of their race or religion it’s also possible that burning out one car in a care home might have been directed at someone because of their race or religion. As for the accusation against CQC not being concerned about all staff when urging employers to safeguard workers and other organisations quoted by CC, I think Alec you need to read those statements afresh. The full statements are not just about staff from minority backgrounds but about the safety of all care workers. Helps to read beyond headlines. Should statements about safety of staff at this point be about “workforce development across the industry”? I think not.
It’s an industry level problem, Jake; just as ‘shifting the burden’ to address sex discrimination became the basis for ‘outsourcing’ in the noughties the blatant (and organised)* racism within English authorities, both LA and NHS has an ugly history; the CQC have been complicit in this by encouraging ‘choice’ increasing the exposure of black and asian workers to an unprotected and largely non-unionised sector untaking work their white counterparts wouldn’t do ~ why else has the Care Workers Union emerged? Why does United Voice of the World exist as the Union for non-indiginous low paid/unpaid workers, including sex workers?
*During my time in practice facing down the BNP as an organised entity within some parts of the NHS was apart of the day job. And, for sure I have seen and challenged some of the most brutal manifestations of violence ~ but here’s the thing Jake someone always knew it was going to happen, and said and did nothing ~ the UK regulatory system within health and social care is a filtering arrangement designed to avoid liabilities. Of course, the CQC and have to air condemnation publicly; the issues though remain systemic*
I don’t have a particular regard for the CQC but they are not responsible for how social care has developed. Governments and local authorities that embraced unfettered privatisation are. CQC aren’t the diver for racist practices and management discrimination, practitioners and employers are. CQC might be a toothless and even an incompetent inspection body but it’s not responsible for a capitalist hedge fund dominated care service. CQC has no policy of encouraging choice, it’s not in its remit, but that’s a mantra of long standing now handed down by Milburn to Streeting. Before the recent election a hefty percentage of social workers said they’d be voting Reform UK Ltd. Does that qualify for an industry level problem?
the category the CQC (as does SWE) falls into is ‘the regulatory services’ qualities and ratings services’ much of what determines regulation is drawn from the financial and construction sectors …
does the CQC apply the same ethos to workforce development across the industry ~ I think not!