Frontline care workers who have been promised a £500 bonus in recognition of the vital work they have undertaken throughout the Coronavirus pandemic will be expected to pay tax on the bonus, it has been confirmed.

The Welsh Government had hoped care workers would receive a £500 tax free lump sum, but the UK Treasury has refused.

Mark Turner, UNISON Wales social care lead, said: “This news has angered care staff who continue to work incredibly hard during this crisis.

“We would urge the UK government to rethink the decision. The amount recouped in tax will be a drop in the ocean to the Treasury but is a significant amount to care workers – the majority of whom are low paid women.

“And this is the crux of the issue.

“Whilst the pledge from Welsh Government to pay the bonus was welcome, it doesn’t tackle the heart of the problem which is the inherent low pay across the sector.

“Most care workers only receive the minimum wage, which is not nearly enough to recognise the importance of their roles. UNISON is calling for care workers to be paid at least £10 per hour.

“Care workers deserve to be paid fairly for the work they do and this pandemic has highlighted just how dedicated they are to providing proper care for people who need, no matter what.

“Instead, they are being told that the modest bonus they will receive will be taxed.”