HOME care workers across North Ayrshire will be guaranteed the quality of care they provide is never compromised.

That’s because North Ayrshire Council and the Health and Social Care Partnership (HSPC) officially signed up to UNISON’s Ethical Care Charter, which makes sure appropriate employment conditions are in place to ensure the best-quality of care is provided to the most vulnerable residents.

The council’s Cabinet agreed to the principles of the Charter last year and met with UNISON this week to learn more and sign up.

Council Leader Joe Cullinane, Leader of North Ayrshire Council, said: “We were delighted when Cabinet agreed to sign up to the Ethical Care Charter. It sends out a really positive message to all our home workers 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 to those who need care that we will deliver care based on that need.”

Signing the Charter means a commitment to implementing various improved standards for home care services commissioned by the council.

Councillor Peter McNamara, Integrated Joint Board Chairman, said: “This is another fantastic and hugely positive message that we are sending out. We spend approximately £17 million per year on in-house and purchased care at home delivering services to older people across North Ayrshire. The importance of the role they carry out can’t be overestimated in any way.”

Louise McDaid, North Ayrshire UNISON secretary, added: “We are delighted that North Ayrshire Council is one of the first councils in Scotland to adopt UNISON’S Ethical Care Charter. It demonstrates our shared commitment to ensure improved quality of care for some of the most vulnerable people in North Ayrshire.”