Pip Wilkins CEO of the BFA (British Franchise Association) recently attended a Provider’s Unite rally in London to support BFA franchisors. They were protesting the lack of funding and support for the UK’s care sector, along with the expected impact of higher National Insurance Contributions (NICs) for social care.
Noteworthy is that the BFA currently has 26 domiciliary home care members who between them have hundreds of franchisees and thousands of care staff.
According to rally organisers Providers Unit, a coalition that advocates for and unites community care and support providers, the UK’s care sector serves 1.2 million individuals and employs a workforce of 1.59 million, delivering community care and support services valued at £68.1 billion.
Providers Unite’s analysis suggests that the real impact for employers of these measures, potentially exceeds projections by over £2 billion. They say they need £8.4bn to meet future demand, improve access to care and cover the full cost of care by 2024/25.
A letter has been sent by Providers Unite to the Chancellor Rachel Reeves, calling for an immediate review of the measures laid out in the 2025 budget.
Ruth Brown, COO of award-winning domiciliary home care franchise Home Instead, said: “I was delighted to see so many take part in Providers Unite’s Day of Action, including people from across our Home Instead network.
“Hopefully the government has taken note of the countless people who don’t believe in rising Employer National Insurance contributions for social care. We should be looking at ways to boost recruitment in the sector and supporting the very important role home care plays across the UK. For many years Home Instead have played a key part in helping shape public policy – highlighting the role of the social care sector. And we will continue to work with people across the sector to support our rapidly ageing population.”
For more information visit the bfa.
