Bluebird Care Exeter, Exmouth, North, East and West Devon have increased the wages of their Care Assistants by up to 11% as they recruit additional team members following their expansion into new areas of the region.
Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, the homecare provider, Bluebird Care ‘NEW’ Devon, increased weekend and bank holiday pay by 11%, while the basic rate of pay has also been uplifted by 4%. The increase has taken the hourly rate after probation up to 5% higher than the local authority, Devon County Council.
Speaking of the uplift, William Flint, Director of the Bluebird Care office, said:
“Our team members are truly incredible and always endeavour to go above and beyond. We couldn’t be prouder of their commitment to ensure that we always provide the very highest quality of care possible to our customers. In return, we want our pay and benefits to reflect that.”
Rated ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC, the home care provider is proud to offer other industry leading benefits to their team, such as health insurance top-ups, and dedicated ongoing training and career progression. The office currently employs over 180 team members across their three hubs, and has invested almost £100,000 into the training of their colleagues.
Nikki Prout began as a Care Assistant and recently took on the role of Training Support Supervisor. Commenting on her experience at the home care provider, Nikki said:
“I began my career in care in residential homes and moved over to Bluebird Care in March 2021 as a Care Assistant. The role was varied and rewarding, and the team made me feel very welcome. I secured my new role as Training Support Supervisor in June. It is wonderful to work for a company who are so invested in their staff.”
The home care provider also went above and beyond to support the wellbeing of their staff during the pandemic, with William and Sara providing their team with various self-care packs. These packages included items such as Vitamins and Immune support supplements, hand creams, and shower gels as well as comforting loose-leaf tea.
Speaking of their efforts during the pandemic, William Flint said:
“We have had to adapt and work very hard to look after our staff and customers and ensure that we are still delivering the same level of outstanding care. We have been well and truly on the frontline during the crisis, looking after some of our community’s most vulnerable people.”
Following significant growth, including the opening of new offices to service customers in North and West Devon, the home care provider is now hiring for various roles, including Care Assistants within their offices.