Derbyshire County Council has approved plans to offer extra cash incentives in a bid to help it attract and retain frontline care workers
Existing council Care Worker Community staff who support people in their own homes will be eligible for up to £1,000 – up to £500 immediately and a further £500 after completing 12 months with the authority.
Meanwhile new Care Worker Community employees will be offered up to £500 when they start and a further £500 after a year of employment.
Payments will be paid on a pro-rata basis for part-time employees based on their contracted hours.
The plans will also include a ‘recommend a friend’ payment for staff who recommend a friend or family member for a Care Worker Community role.
They would be paid a flat rate of £100 per recommendation where the application was successful and the applicant remained employed for more than six months.
The county council has changed its pay policy statement in order to open the door to the awarding of retention payments to staff to help it attract and keep employees in a competitive job market for roles where it faces challenges in recruiting.
Cabinet Member for Adult Care Councillor Natalie Hoy said: “I know the pressures our services are facing coming after the incredible commitment and hard work so many of our key workers selflessly delivered during the pandemic.
“Their commitment has been extraordinary, and I, councillors and residents across Derbyshire could not be more grateful to them.
“We need to make sure that we’re giving our services as much support as we can in these hugely pressured times, which is why I have championed these changes.
“Traditionally we have been unable to respond to changes in the job market and challenges of retention because of long-standing policies, but we have now changed that to reflect the current pressures and ensure we attract and keep the best staff.
“We can now ensure our frontline adult social care staff are recognised for the work they do and supported through the current situation to continue to deliver vital services for residents.”
The county council – which has set aside £270,000 for the new scheme - currently employs around 500 people in Care Worker Community posts and has more than 200 vacant posts.