Providers Unite emerge as champions of embattled care sector

As a grassroots campaign fighting for fairer treatment of the financially stricken care sector gathers pace, care home providers and managers are being urged to seek legal advice if they fear a mis-sold energy contract could be costing them thousands.

Fast-growing Providers Unite pulled in more than 3,000 supporters to their latest rally in London — organisers pleading with the government to provide financial assistance ahead of the rise in National Insurance contributions (NICs).

And Energy Solicitors Limited’s (ESL) Victoria Myers said: “It’s fantastic to see people power in action when it comes to those seeking to provide the best care possible and, at the same time, safeguard jobs.

“Providers Unite offers a serious and authoritative voice to those care home providers across the UK struggling to meet rising costs and I’m not surprised the rally in London was so well supported.

“It’s time we helped the care sector put pressure on unscrupulous brokers too and we would love to work alongside Providers Unite, using our litigation expertise to help claw back money that could be used to offset the impending NICs rise and more.”

Providers Unite claim the care sector needs £8.4bn to meet future demand, improve access to care and cover the full cost of care by 2024/25.

The increase in employers’ NICs means the earnings threshold for these contributions will be lowered from £9,100 to £5,000 — further intensifying the financial strain on employers.

And this comes on top of a 6.7 per cent increase to the National Living Wage, taking it to £12.21 for those aged over 21 and £10 for those aged over 18.

Stephen Trowbridge, managing director of Swindon-based First City Nursing, said: "Honestly, I'm really worried. This year, the government has doubled down with the national insurance costs.

“The councils, and this is the worry, they're all on our side, but they haven't got the money, and they're not putting it into their budgets, because they can't afford to.

“Social care is on its own with this one. And it's not just our sector, the charities, the hospices, if we're not around come April, which there's a big chance that would be the case . I don't know what's going to happen.”