The Homecare Association, the leading representative body for homecare providers across the United Kingdom, responds to Skills for Care’s report Pay in the Adult Social Care Sector in England.
Once again, the report highlights the deep structural imbalance in the way we value our vital workforce.
As of December 2025, the median hourly rate for a care worker in the independent sector was just £12.60—only 39p above the National Living Wage (NLW) in 2025-26 of £12.21 per hour. Worryingly, around a quarter (26%) received a wage within 10p of the legal minimum, leaving little room for progression, reward, or recognition.
In homecare, hourly pay must cover the full range of working time – including travel between visits, training and other essential duties – not only direct contact with clients. This places additional pressure on providers where commissioning rates do not reflect the true cost of delivering care.
Almost half of care workers (49%) received below the Real Living Wage, despite the sector’s critical role in supporting older and disabled people. This disparity undermines the stability and sustainability of homecare services.
The report also shows that pay progression for experience remains negligible. Experienced care workers with five or more years in the sector earn, on average, just 10p more per hour than new recruits - an improvement from 6p in March 2025, but still far below historical levels. Before March 2017, experienced care workers earned 26–37p per hour more, reflecting a pay spine that has now effectively collapsed.
The comparisons with the NHS highlight the persistent pay gulf created by different funding and workforce frameworks. A Band 3 healthcare assistant new to their role earns 15p more than the median care worker, while those with over two years’ experience earn £1.00 more. This disparity continues to fuel recruitment challenges, as staff understandably gravitate towards roles with clearer progression and better pay.
Dr Jane Townson OBE, Chief Executive of the Homecare Association, said:
“These findings reinforce what we have long said: without meaningful investment in the social care workforce, pay in the independent sector will remain trapped at or near the legal minimum, despite rising complexity, responsibility and demand. If the government wants a resilient, high-quality care system, it must create the conditions for fair pay, career development, and long-term workforce stability.”
ENDS
For media inquiries, contact:
Email: [email protected]
Mobile: 07917 853568
