Fair Pay Agreement

The Adult Social Care Fair Pay Agreement (FPA) is an initiative aimed at standardising and improving wages across the adult social care sector in the UK. Recognising the vital role played by social care workers, the FPA seeks to ensure fair pay, better working conditions, and recognition for those dedicated to supporting vulnerable adults.

What is the Fair Pay Agreement?

The Fair Pay Agreement (FPA) is a publicly negotiated framework that sets minimum standards for wages, hours, and employment terms within the adult social care sector. It aims to address issues such as low pay, high staff turnover, and inadequate working conditions that have historically affected the sector.


The FPA was a part of the government's election manifesto and forms part of the Employment Rights ACt 2025 of which implementation has now begun. 


A Fair Pay Agreement will be legally binding in the same way as the National Minimum Wage.  It may also include improved conditions such as sick pay and pensions contributions

Key Goals of the FPA:

  • Fair Wages: Establish minimum wage levels that reflect the skill and importance of social care workers.
  • Improved Working Conditions: Promote safe, supportive, and sustainable work environments.
  • Staff Retention: Reduce turnover by providing competitive pay and benefits.
  • Quality of Care: Enhance the quality of services provided to adults in need through a stable and motivated workforce.
  • Sector Sustainability: Support the long-term viability of social care services amid increasing demand.

Why does the FPA matter?

  • Recognition: Acknowledges the essential work of social care professionals.
  • Equity: Addresses disparities in pay and conditions across different regions and providers.
  • Workforce Stability: Helps attract and retain skilled staff, ensuring consistent, high-quality care.
  • Community Impact: Strengthens social support networks, benefitting families and communities nationwide.


How will it be funded?


At the moment we do not know how the government intends to fund the FPA (or if it is to be funded). 


More Information


You can visit the Government website for more information on the Employment Rights Act 2025 and factsheets about other measures included within the Act, including Bereavement, paternity and unpaid Parental Leave, Flexible working, and Unfair dismissal.

Latest:

Fabian Society Report


The Fabian Society is an independent left-leaning think tank with close links to  the Labour party


They have published a report (May 2025) to make the case for a fair pay agreement with suggestions on how it may be funded (click on the image to download)