UNISON is urging the Government to end the practice of employers denying care staff pay for travel time between client visits. This follows a ruling in the Employment Tribunal which found that contractors engaged by Haringey Council in North London had failed to pay minimum wage, with some care workers receiving less than half the minimum wage. It was further held that travelling and waiting time of up to an hour between appointments should be compensated as working time.
The companies involved, Kaamil Education Limited, Diligent Care Services Limited and Premier Carewaiting Limited have now been ordered to pay £100,000 to the 10 Claimants.
This serves as a reminder to Employers to ensure that pay is reviewed carefully and employees are properly remunerated for their working hours. The news will also serve to assist potentially thousands of care workers who may be affected and are receiving less than minimum wage or are not being paid for travel and waiting time to attend to clients.
If you are an Employer or an Employee and would like some guidance on minimum wage rules and working time, please get in touch with a member of our experienced Employment team on 01484 558060 or email Gareth Dando who will be happy to assist.