Government proposal to regulate the movement of staff between care settings

A Government proposal to regulate the movement of staff between care settings would be detrimental to both care workers and providers. Whilst the aim of this legislation is to prevent the spread of Covid-19, work already underway throughout the sector to ensure Covid safety, has not been acknowledged.

The legislation would put additional strain on homes to amend and review their rotas alongside many other processes they are already contending with, including:
- Weekly testing for staff
- Monthly testing for residents
- Undertaking personal risk assessments for all staff

The Recruitment & Employment Confederation has already expressed that “a ban on agency workers moving between care homes would severely damage the care system... With around 112,000 care sector job vacancies in England on any given day, there aren’t enough staff to deliver the care that’s needed and agency workers are absolutely essential. All temporary staff adhere to the same infection control guidelines as permanent employees and have the same right to PPE.”

The Government is looking to push this legislation through quickly and has only given the sector until Monday 23rd November to respond to the proposal; make sure you have your say. https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/stopping-movement-of-staff-between-care-settings