CORNWALL Care has announced a pay rise of 2 per cent for all members of staff which will come into effect from tomorrow (Friday, April 1).

Cornwall Care is a charity that runs care homes and a network of associated community services across the county.

The move by the charity, which has East Cornwall homes at Pengover House in Liskeard, Cedar Grange in Launceston and Chyvarhas in Callington, follows a restructure designed to streamline operations and improve effectiveness. Double time will be paid across the board on bank holidays, employees on shift will be eligible for free meals and new rates of pay are being introduced.

The charity says four-day weeks and other flexible working arrangements will be widely available and financial bonuses will be awarded to teams meeting specific standards against a range of key performance indicators focused on excellence in care.

Following a grant funding application to Cornwall Council, a payment of £250 per person will also be paid to every member of staff in recognition of their work, care and dedication over the past year.

“We know how challenging the last few months and years have been in terms of the pandemic and the organisational changes we’ve had to make,” said Kerry Eldridge, Director of People and Culture.

“Now we’ve reached a point where we can look forward with real positivity and reward our staff more fairly. They perform extraordinary acts of kindness and watching them go about their business is both humbling and a huge privilege.

“Social care is different because it isn’t a case of treating someone for a problem and then moving on. It’s about looking after the whole person and doing everything possible to make that individual’s life as fulfilling as it can be.”

“We’re delighted to be making this announcement after what has been a very turbulent period,” said CEO Anne Thomas. “Our staff have, as always, been amazing and thoroughly deserve this recognition of their efforts.

“Our care teams are loving and purposeful. Their skills are highly specialised and the role they play in the lives of older, more vulnerable people must not be underestimated. Indeed, it isn’t an exaggeration to say that Cornwall’s whole health and care system relies on what they do to function properly.

“Doing what we can to care for carers – so they can care for others – is essential.”

For more about Cornwall Care see https://www.cornwallcare.com/