Staff at Encore Care Homes are to receive a 5.7 per cent pay rise from this month as a ‘thank you’ for their ongoing support during the pandemic.

Every individual team member within the group, which includes Great Oaks in Bournemouth, Oakdale in Poole and Fairmile Grange in Christchurch, will have their pay boosted.

Encore frontline workers will see increases from £8.91 per hour to £9.50 for Housekeepers.

Pay for Healthcare Assistants (HCAs) will go up from £10.55 per hour to £11.15.

Registered Nurses will see their pay go up from £20.49 per hour to £21.66.

Encore is currently recruiting for HCAs for its four care homes in Dorset and Hampshire due to increased demand for care services for older people.

All new HCAs will receive a £1,000 welcome bonus, as well as a shift bonus of £30 for every full shift completed in addition to their contracted hours.

No experience in care is necessary with full training provided, a ‘Buddy’ to work alongside as they get to know the role, and ongoing training support, as well as the opportunity to receive funded training to progress on to become a Registered Nursing Associate, should they wish.

The role is suitable for people with a positive, friendly attitude, a caring and empathetic approach to work, and good communication skills.

Sarah Edgar joined the Fairmile Grange team in Christchurch as a HCA, where she progressed to the role of Registered Nursing Associate with the support and funded learning opportunities paid by Encore.

She said: “It feels fantastic to have achieved the qualification alongside working full time.

“I could not have done it without the financial support and encouragement from Encore.

“The thing I love most about my job is just seeing our residents smile, while making sure that they are cared for and that their needs are being met.

“It’s nice to know that we can make a difference.”

• More information about the care roles available at Encore Care Homes, can be found by clicking here.