Fair Pay Agreement
The Fair Pay Agreement (FPA) is a Government initiative designed to improve pay, terms and conditions for adult social care workers in England. It is part of the wider Plan for Change and Plan to Make Work Pay.
It will establish a new Adult Social Care Negotiating Body, bringing together employer and worker representatives to negotiate sector-wide agreements on pay and employment conditions.
Government's aim is to address longstanding workforce challenges, including low pay, poor conditions and difficulties in recruitment and retention.
Key objectives
- Improve pay and working conditions for care workers
- Strengthen recruitment and retention across the sector
- Give workers and employers a formal voice in shaping employment standards
- Support professional recognition of the adult social care workforce
- Help build a stable and sustainable workforce for the future
How it will work
- An independent Adult Social Care Negotiating Body will oversee negotiations between employer and worker representatives
- Agreements may cover pay, terms and conditions, and wider employment matters
- Government will provide a funding envelope to support implementation of agreements
- The first negotiations are expected to begin in 2027
Expected benefits
...for care workers
- Better pay and conditions
- Greater professional recognition
- Improved career prospects and workforce status
...for providers
- Improved recruitment and retention
- Reduced workforce turnover
- A more stable and experienced workforce
...for people receiving care
- Better continuity of care
- More consistent staffing
- Potential improvements in care quality through a stronger workforce
Implementation Timeline
- 2026:Regulations and secondary legislation introduced to officially establish and appoint members to the Adult Social Care Negotiating Body
- 2027: Formal negotiations regarding 2028–2029 pay parameters launch around April 2027 and conclude by autumn
- April 2028: The first formal Fair Pay Agreement takes effect and integrates into relevant care workers' contracts
