York care company achieves ‘Real Living Wage Employer’ status

Radfield Home Care York, Thirsk & Ryedale is delighted to announce that following its well established ‘Caring for our Carers’ employee welfare pledge, it has now taken this commitment one step further and has achieved the highly sought after ‘Living Wage Accreditation’ for paying a ‘Real Living Wage’ of £11.00 per hour.

Recognising the impact its employees’ wellbeing has on the care services provided to its clients, Radfield Home Care has always been proud to support its staff with employee recognition schemes, a supportive work environment, and high wages – collectively referred to as its ‘Caring for our Carers™ Pledge’. However, Radfield Home Care York, Thirsk & Ryedale has now taken this commitment one step further and have achieved Living Wage Foundation Accreditation.

Ed Gill, director and owner of Radfield Home Care York, Thirsk & Ryedale said:

“The only way to deliver the high standard of care that our older residents deserve is by really investing and supporting our team of Care Professionals. The Real Living Wage accreditation isn’t only recognition of our leading rates of pay, but is also symbolic of the supportive work environment, enhanced training opportunities and rewarding career that we provide our Care Professionals. Fundamentally, if we do not care for our Care Professionals, we cannot expect them to deliver high-quality care and support for our clients.” 

The Living Wage Foundation recognises employers that voluntarily pay their workforce at least £9.50 per hour – with Radfield Home Care York, Thirsk & Ryedale supporting its team with pay rates significantly above this at £11.00. The ‘Real Living Wage’ is calculated based on the cost of living, and is the recommended hourly wage required in order for employees and their families to live. As well as the natural impact this has on their employees, it has also been proven to have a positive impact on the growth of businesses due to improved reputation, increased employee retention rates, and an ethically-based USP.

Alex Green, co-founder and director of the Radfield Home Care network explained:

“We have always paid our staff well, however, we are really pleased to see our York office be awarded this accreditation as a Living Wage employer, as it reinforces our commitment to ‘Care for our Carers’ and ensures that our clients know that their carers are being looked after.” 

The accreditation also helps Radfield Home Care overcome the challenges many care organisations are facing with recruitment, as its continued recruitment activity proves to be a success. Earlier this year a national recruitment campaign was launched by the UK Government to address the 105,000 vacancies in adult social care in England. The campaign called Made With Care, aims to illustrate how fulfilling it is to work in care, increase the understanding of the variety of roles available and create further awareness to how valuable a role in care can be; making a hugely positive difference to the lives of older people in local communities.

Radfield Home Care’s York, Thirsk & Ryedale office was established earlier this year by local business owner, Ed Gill. As the third Radfield Home Care franchise to open in Yorkshire, alongside neighbours in Wakefield and Harrogate regions, the new home care organisation delivers care, support and companionship services to older people wishing to remain in the comfort of their own home throughout York and the Yorkshire Moors areas.