It is heart-breaking that millions of elderly and vulnerable people across the country are struggling to get the care they need, says Sir Ed Davey, MP, Leader of the Liberal Democrats.
One in seven UK adults has had to stay at home to look after a relative over the last 12 months due to a lack of care workers.
One in seven. That is startling.
I have spoken before about my experience of being a family carer. When I look at the problems facing our country, I do so through a carer's eyes.
Being a carer of any sort is hard work. The tireless work of family carers helps ease the pressures on our health and social care systems, and our economy.
This is the wrong way around.
We should be in a position that means we do not have to rely on the sacrifices of these selfless, hardworking people.
That's why I have announced our plan to tackle the chronic staff shortages in social care.
The Liberal Democrats are calling for a new Carers' Minimum Wage.
Under our plan, social care workers would be paid at least £2 an hour more than the current minimum wage.
Funded by increasing taxes on online gambling profits, these proposals would benefit 850,000 workers - more than half of all frontline care workers.
The Conservatives have caused workers to flee the social care sector.
Our plan would help attract workers to it.
Our policy would reduce the staggering 165,000 vacancies in social care. This would ease pressure on family carers and other services in crisis such as GPs, A&E departments and ambulance services.
But why are we in this position?
Let's not forget, care homes were treated appallingly during the pandemic. This Government has tanked our economy in a matter of months, and years of Conservative rule have destroyed our health and social care systems. Brexit has undoubtedly made the crisis even worse.
It's no wonder so many care workers have left their jobs in favour of better-paid roles in other sectors.
But now it is time to rebuild this country's care system and support those who choose to look after others.
The Liberal Democrats will always stand up for carers. This announcement is the first step in fixing this Conservative-made mess.
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