Bedford councillors come out in support of care staff following Prime Minister's remarks

Bedford councillors have come out in support of care homes in the town following the Prime Minister's remarks.

During a meeting of the Adult Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee, members unanimously thanked care workers at all levels after senior officials confirmed no care home in Bedford had failed to follow the guidelines.

Earlier, Bedford Today revealed how the Bedford MP had slammed Boris Johnson for 'pointing the finger at care homes he failed to protect'

Liberal Democrat adult services spokesperson, Councillor Tim Caswell said: “The Prime Minister’s casual insult to the heroes who work on the front line, often for little reward, comes with a double whammy for care staff.

“The regular retesting of care workers and residents in some care homes through the government’s portal which starts on Monday, July 13 is only part of what needs to be done and it comes very late in the day. Regular tests for carers and residents in all other adult care homes and supported living will be rolled out later.

"There is, however, no provision currently planned for domiciliary carers (who visit residents in their own homes) or carers that individuals employ directly. In my view those groups of carers and cared for have a similar and urgent need.”

“The recent Deep Dive report into high infection rates in Bedford borough also mentioned that some care providers do not pay Statutory Sick Pay. For now, the government’s Infection Control Plan for care homes allows staff who have tested positive to be paid while they are ill or isolating. This makes a lot of sense of course, but it is not a sustainable and the real solution is proper funding for the sector and the safety net of access to Statutory Sick Pay.”