25th February 2026
Responding to Skills for Care’s latest adult social care sector pay report, published Wednesday 25 February 2026, Rachael Dodgson, chief executive of Dimensions, which supports 3,000 adults with learning disabilities and autistic people across England and Wales, said:
“Skills for Care’s latest pay report clearly shows social care finances under extreme strain. The government’s increase in Employers’ National Insurance alone has cost Dimensions around £6 million this financial year – a sum that would have funded round-the-clock support for 28 people in that same time frame.”
“Government must act. Social care needs a fully funded Fair Pay Agreement – far more generous than government has put forward – and a workforce plan which prioritises career progression for adult social care.”
“Care and support providers cannot be expected to deliver nationally agreed pay standards without sustainable investment from government. This pay must be channelled through local authorities at rates that reflect the true cost of care.”
“We at Dimensions will continue working with UNISON and others to press government for the long-term funding reform social care urgently needs. If we are serious about valuing skilled frontline professionals, funding must match this ambition.
