NORTH Ayrshire Council this week reinforced its position as a ‘caring’ organisation after becoming one of the first in Scotland to adopt Unison’s ‘Ethical Care Charter’.

The Charter provides a guarantee that appropriate employment conditions are in place for homecare workers to ensure safety, quality and dignity of the care provided is never compromised.

By signing the Charter, the Council and Health and Social Care Partnership is committed to implementing a variety of improved standards for home care services commissioned by the Council.

The first set of principles that will be implemented include:

* Care based on client need, not minutes or tasks;

* 15 minute visits should generally not be used, unless appropriate

* Homecare workers to be paid for travelling time, travel costs and other necessary expenses;

* Visits to be scheduled based on needs;

* Eligible workers should be paid statutory sick pay.

Council Leader Joe Cullinane, Leader of North Ayrshire Council, said:“By becoming an Ethical Care Council, we are telling employees that we value each and every one of them and that the brilliant service they provide should never be compromised.

“It’s also reaffirming our commitment that we will deliver care based on need.”