Care Sector: Apprenticeships

Debate between Earl of Courtown and Baroness Pitkeathley

Monday 6th July 2015 Lords Chamber

[The Earl of Courtown]

The noble Baroness is quite right about people leaving these courses after they have been accepted on them. Ministers in various departments are discussing this issue.

[Baroness Pitkeathley (Lab)]

My noble friend’s question refers to the care sector. Does the noble Earl agree that the care sector must extend to domiciliary care—care given in people’s own home—where job satisfaction is even lower, what with 15-minute visits and so on? Improving the quality of that care is essential. Does he agree that these apprenticeships should also take domiciliary care workers into account?

[The Earl of Courtown]

The noble Baroness is quite right. Domiciliary care for people in their own home is so important. At the same time, the standard of care also has to increase.