Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure that staff in the adult social care sector (1) are all paid at above the legal minimum wage, and (2) have their pay brought in line with staff undertaking similar roles in the NHS.

All businesses irrespective of their size or business sector are responsible for paying the correct National Living Wage and National Minimum Wage to their staff.

If any care worker is concerned that they are being underpaid, we strongly urge them to call the the Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (Acas) helpline for free, impartial and confidential advice about their rights and entitlements. Acas officers will pass on cases to HM Revenue & Customs for further consideration where appropriate.

The Department has no plans to align the pay progression of adult social care workers to National Health Service pay scales.