What this indicator measures

This indicator assesses the extent to which social security systems support care workers through income protection, pensions, sick pay and other entitlements. It examines accessibility, adequacy, administrative processes, enforcement and the degree to which policies address the specific needs of workers in low paid and insecure roles.

Key findings

• Social security entitlements are available through UK wide systems, but they are not designed with the care workforce in mind
• Low wages and insecure hours limit workers’ ability to contribute to pensions or qualify for contributory benefits
• Workers in self-employment or personal assistant roles must manage their own contributions, creating additional barriers
• The punitive and sanctions based approach within wider social security policy increases financial vulnerability for low paid workers
• Social security design does not fully account for the gendered nature of care work or the barriers faced by women combining paid and unpaid care
• Limited data reduces understanding of how care workers experience social security systems
• Budget arrangements for social security are not aligned to the needs of workers in undervalued sectors

Impact on workers

Many care workers lack financial resilience. Low hourly pay and irregular hours make it difficult to contribute to pensions, save or manage unexpected costs. Women, who make up most of the care workforce, are disproportionately affected. The absence of adequate income protection increases the risk of poverty during periods of illness, unemployment or retirement.

Accessibility considerations

While legislation and policy exist to access social security, sick pay and pensions there is no particular focus on care workers within any of this legislation. However, care workers, particularly those in more insecure work, face particular challenges. For example, many people working as personal assistants (PAs) with disabled people are self-employed and may work for multiple clients. The onus is on such individuals to ensure National Insurance. contribution payments are made to maintain their eligibility for some benefits. This limits accessibility and reach in this policy area.

Budget context

While some aspects of social security are adequately funded, the system does not reflect the needs of low paid workers or the realities of care work. Limited investment in income replacement benefits and pension support means that wages and working conditions bear the weight of financial protection. Budget constraints on regulatory bodies limit oversight and enforcement.

Lived experience

“PAs working for multiple people in their local community to get hours/income – but you’re not getting National Insurance and you’re not getting the benefits that you would do if it was just one employer. You know, when it comes to like Statutory Sick Pay, you have to be earning over £123 pounds a week, so they often miss out on that as well.”

PA quoted in Voices from the Frontline

Overall interpretation

The adequacy of the safety net provided is limited by the low level of financial support provided, the difficulty accessing some forms of social security, the limited provisions for those on non-standard contracts and the lack of consideration of care in design of the policies