The Government has published its response to the consultation on the process for introducing Fair Pay Agreements in adult social care, confirming that it intends to proceed broadly as proposed.
The response provides further detail on the operation of the new Adult Social Care Negotiating Body, which will bring together employer and worker representatives, supported by an independent chair, to negotiate legally enforceable minimum standards on pay, terms and conditions, and other employment matters.
The Government has rejected calls for significant changes to the proposed governance model, maintaining that representation should balance employers and workers while allowing flexibility over membership and specialist expertise. It also confirms that regulations establishing the negotiating body will be published later this year, with negotiations expected to begin during 2027.
The first Fair Pay Agreement is anticipated to take effect in 2028-29.