Remploy: Pay dispute leads to delay in care home inspections

Company that took over responsibility for three quarters of the country still processing hundreds of applications

Over 500 experts are sent on CQC inspections across adult social care, primary care and hospitals every month (Getty)

Care home inspections are still being delayed after the private firm that took over responsibility for three quarters of the country are yet to fill hundreds of consultant positions.

Remploy began managing and recruiting the CQC’s “Experts by Experience” programme on 1 February, but are still processing hundreds of applications to fill gaps following a mass walkout.

Every month more than 500 experts are sent on CQC inspections across adult social care, primary care and hospitals in a programme that used to be managed on behalf of the regulator by two charities.

Remploy, the former Government agency turned for profit firm, initially offered experts half their £17 an hour pay when it took over contracts for London, the South and North of England, but has since backtracked. It is now offering £15 an hour for six months before that drops to £12.50 for another six months with the long-term rate still being negotiated.

However, that “buffer” deal is for current experts with new experts expected to be on a lower rate. A spokesman for Remploy did not respond to a question about what rate of pay they will receive.

Hundreds of experts are refusing to reregister. They also object to working with Remploy in principle because it is majority owned by Maximus, the US company that handles work capability assessments of disabled people for the Department for Work and Pensions.

A CQC spokesman said they hoped experts who worked with them up until last week continued to do so.

“Our decision to award these new contracts focussed on expanding the numbers of Experts by Experience involved in our inspections, ensuring that the high quality contribution Experts by Experience have provided to date is maintained and delivering value for money. This contract will be maintained within its agreed budget and will help support a programme of work that is of enormous value to the CQC.

“We are still agreeing the final contract details and although we do not set pay rates, we will continue to be mindful of any potential impact on current Experts by Experience.”