Greensleeves Care is investing a further £8.4 million to increase the wages of its workforce by at least 10.1% in the next financial year.
The latest rise, which comes into effect from April, will see frontline colleagues receive an increase of 10.1%, the biggest single investment in pay so far by Greensleeves Care.
The not-for-profit care home group, which operates 28 homes across England, is committed to being an Employer of Choice within the social care sector. The group, which has been running for over 25 years, already enjoys sector-leading colleague retention rates and pays at least the Real Living Wage, with the majority of colleagues paid well above this level.
In addition to a sector-leading pay rise, to support colleagues further with financial pressures, the organisation will continue to offer its bespoke lifestyle benefits programme, which includes money off high street retailers, supermarkets, visitor attractions, and holidays.
As part of Greensleeves Care’s ongoing wellbeing support, all colleagues will continue to have access to a free employee assistance programme – which provides telephone counselling and legal information – as well as access to free mental health and wellbeing support available 24/7 all year round.
Recognising the growing numbers of colleagues who stay with the group for long tenures, Greensleeves Care is also expanding its Length of Service Awards to mark 5, 10, 20, 30 and 40 years with the organisation and its forerunners. The plan is to extend the recognition even further to 50 years of service, as several colleagues are approaching that mark.
To ensure colleagues’ skills are nurtured and developed, Greensleeves is investing in ways to build on its status as a Skills for Care Endorsed provider and an award-winning apprenticeship provider. The group is committed to delivering industry-leading training and development that allows colleagues to continue their professional progression within its growing family of care homes.
Paul Newman, Chief Executive at Greensleeves Care, said:
“Our people are, quite simply, our greatest asset. With the cost of living remaining a worry, we felt strongly that it was essential we made this investment to support and attract hard-working and committed colleagues across our growing family of homes. We seek to recruit and retain the best talent within our sector because we know it translates into exceptional care.
“We are delighted the Board agreed an increase that is well above the offer made to nurses and care workers in the NHS, and to recognise in this way the fundamental contribution of our teams in driving our ambitious strategy and charitable mission forward.”
“Despite the unprecedented challenges everyone in the sector operates in, this support and reward package demonstrates Greensleeves’ commitment to attract, retain, support and develop the high calibre colleagues needed to deliver the excellent care our residents deserve.”
