Introducing worker placements

We’re expanding the number of services we offer our customers. Soon, we’re hoping to offer a Care Quality Commission-regulated service to run alongside our introductory agency service.

As one of the most highly-rated and experienced carers we work with, we’d like to invite you to be one of the first carers able to access our worker placements.

This will give you more choice over the placements you can apply for – as well as more security and more support whenever you select a worker placement.

What’s going to be on offer?

At the moment, all our carers are self-employed. This means we can only introduce you to those seeking care, with you and the family directing all care provision within the home.

We recognise that many carers love this set-up, so we’ll keep our introductory agency as well. But, if you would like to explore worker status with us – in addition to your self-employed status — you now have that option.

Once we introduce Elder’s worker model (which will run alongside our self-employed model), you will be able to view more placements, remaining in control by only accepting placements that best suit your availability and preferences.

In other words, you could be self-employed on one placement and a worker on the next. It’s completely up to you. You’d still maintain the freedom to work with other agencies while not working with us, if you desire.

While on regulated placements, we’d file income tax and National Insurance contributions. You’d also have access to statutory sick pay – alongside opportunities to develop your skills.

While worker placements would be paid at a higher rate than standard placements, you’d be paid net of tax, which means your take home pay would appear to be less each week. This is because we’d cover your deductions so you wouldn’t have to. Simple, as easy as that.

Once qualified, worker placements allow you to use a broader range of skills that you’re not able to perform on standard placements.

Standard placements explained

Standard placements, where you and your client develop the care plan together, aren’t going anywhere. You’ll still be able to apply to all the placements you can today.

The only thing that’ll change is that you’ll have the option of applying for worker placements too. There are certain things to remember about standard placements:

The freedom of self-employment

You get to choose when and where you want to work. If you don’t want to work, you don’t have to.

More limited training and support

We’re always here for you but have limited ability to offer training or on-site guidance.

Work directly with the family

You work more directly with the family, developing the care plan together.

Responsibility for tax and National Insurance

As with other self-employed people, you’re responsible for filing your tax returns and paying your tax on self-employed earnings.

No holiday or sick pay

As you’re not employed by us, you’re not legally entitled to holiday or statutory sick pay.

Competitive pay

Our standard placements offer competitive pay compared to many other introductory agencies.

Worker placements explained

With a worker placement, we work with you to develop a care plan and a Care Manager supports you in managing the care.

These placements will be regulated by the Care Quality Commission and you’ll be a worker for Elder. You’ll no longer be self-employed when you’re carrying out worker placements. This has certain benefits:

Improved job security with worker status

Get rights closer to those of normal employees.

Competitive pay

Like our standard placements, worker placements offer competitive pay for the social care sector.

Less paperwork – we’ll manage your payroll

Don’t worry about the admin. We’ll take care of your tax and National Insurance.

Training and guidance to help you develop

We’ll provide you with comprehensive support and free training.

Clinical experts on-hand

Our clinical team are a group of experts there to help you to manage difficult situations.

More comprehensive support when you need it

We’ll be proactive in checking in with you, supporting you with difficulties.

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