SOCIAL care workers in Cheshire West and Chester are to get a bonus and a new year pay rise.
The bonus is being distributed to care workers through the council's partner social care providers as a thank you for their ongoing hard work and efforts throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.
The move comes against a backdrop of social care staff facing challenging times as they support residents through the Covid-19 pandemic, with staff shortages in the sector too.
Bonuses will be paid out to all staff working in adult social care. New care at home staff joining between now and the end of March will also be eligible for a bonus.
Bonuses will be made in the form of cash or vouchers, with the administration of the bonuses carried out by the individual care providers working in partnership with the council.
The council says the bonus payments have been made possible due to the government's recruitment and retention grants.
Care workers supporting people in their homes will also be getting a pay increase earlier than planned, in the new year, again made possible due to the government’s grants.
Care workers across the borough will also benefit from the council's employee assistance and reward programme, as part of the council's package of support.
This will include access to assistance, advice and welfare services, as well as discounts at retail outlets and discounted Brio Leisure membership.
Val Armstrong, council cabinet member for adult social care and public health, said: "Care workers have worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic, and we would like to say a huge thank you to them for all they have done and continue to do, in challenging times as we live and work through a pandemic.
"It only seems right to reward our care workers for their hard work through giving them a bonus."
"We are immensely grateful for what they are doing, and this bonus demonstrates this strength of feeling about the value of what they do."