NI Health: Pay Dispute Halts Talks with Independent Care Workers
Independent social care providers in Northern Ireland have ceased negotiations with the health minister following a controversial decision to exclude them from a pay deal. The dispute centers around the Real Living Wage, a pay rate that ensures workers earn a decent living wage.
In November 2025, the health minister, Mike Nesbitt, initially promised pay parity for doctors, nurses, and auxiliary staff with their counterparts in other UK regions. However, this offer was extended only to NHS employees, leaving independent care workers feeling betrayed and undervalued.
Pauline Shepherd, CEO of the Independent Health Care Providers (IHCP), confirmed that discussions with the Department of Health (DoH) have been paused since the announcement. The DoH, however, maintains its commitment to funding the Real Living Wage for these workers, prioritizing it in the 26/27 budget.
Shepherd expressed hope that the issues could be resolved, allowing for a return to a constructive relationship. She also highlighted the demoralizing impact on workers, who now feel undervalued and disengaged from their profession.
The social care sector in Northern Ireland employs approximately 24,000 staff, with around 11,500 working in care homes. This workforce is the lowest-paid in the entire health and social care system, delivering over 80% of social care services, primarily in home and facility-based settings.
Shepherd argued that there is unused capacity in residential and care homes, capable of accommodating elderly patients currently stuck in hospitals due to a lack of social care packages. She criticized the current budget constraints and outdated investment models that prevent health trusts from utilizing this capacity.
The cost of a home care package is £38 per day, while a care home bed costs £128 per day, and a hospital bed a minimum of £800 per day. This situation, according to Shepherd, represents a false economy.
Ryan Williams, from the care provider Connected Health, echoed the sentiment of betrayal, stating that the decision not to pay the Real Living Wage had exacerbated staff retention issues. He emphasized the unfairness of carers within the NHS receiving pay awards while those outside the system, including independent care workers, were left behind.
The dispute highlights the need for fair compensation and recognition for the vital work of social care providers, who are essential to the well-being of the community.
