Unions call for national foster carers register supported but bid for proper pay and allowances knocked back. GMB, the union for foster carers, has made an initial response to the Independent Report on Foster Care in England and the recommendations made by Sir Martin Narey and Mark Owers. [1]
The reports supports for a national register of foster carers, which the union has long called and campaigned for.
However, the paper is not all good news for foster carers as GMB's calls for better pay, allowances and status for their members were knocked back in the recommendations.
Rachel Harrison, GMB Lead Organiser for Foster Carers said:
"GMB has long campaigned for a national register - so this recommendation will be welcome news to all those involved in fostering.
“It will help provide vital information on availability of beds, where there are shortages and better match placements of children with foster carers.
“It will also allow for resources to be better targeted where more information, efforts for recruitment and retention need to take place.
“The Government should hear the calls of foster carers and campaigners like ourselves and act on this important recommendation in the report.
"However, as always, government and policy makers like to provide warm words to committed foster carers who currently provide care for over 44,000 children in the country.
“But warm words simply aren't good enough. Warm words don't cover the financial burden that foster carers are left to shoulder
"Our foster carers deserve and need better standards of pay and allowances, support and training and terms and conditions for the vital work they do 24/7, 365 days of the year providing stability and care for some of the most vulnerable children in society.
“As the trade union for foster carers, GMB will continue to fight for the recognition and reward that they rightly deserve."
ENDS
Contact: GMB Press Office on 07958 156846 or at [email protected]
Notes to editors:
[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/foster-care-in-england
