Who Cares? Scotland has published ten key solutions following new research that has shown that Care Experienced people could be facing a wage gap as high as £10,000 compared to their non-Care Experienced peers.
Who Cares? Scotland has published ten key solutions following new research that has shown that Care Experienced people could be facing a wage gap as high as £10,000 compared to their non-Care Experienced peers.
This research, published in the report, ‘Lifelong Rights for Care Experienced People: Finance Issue Paper’, highlights that some Care Experienced people are significantly struggling to make ends meet.
Data also reveals that those in employment are potentially earning less than their non-Care Experienced peers. For those aged 18 – 21, there was a potential 29% earnings gap. However, this widens to 38% for those aged 22 – 29 which is the sum of nearly £10,000.
Furthermore, startling data reveals 44% of survey respondents were classed as living in relative poverty, which is double the national figure of 21% reported by the Scottish Government.
The second in a five-part series, the paper is part of the charity’s Lifelong Rights Campaign, to show that Care Experienced people currently do not have the same life outcomes as their non-Care Experienced peers.
The paper is based on a variety of sources including an online survey conducted by the charity and data from its advocacy work with Care Experienced people who have accessed advocacy in local authorities and through their National Advocacy Helpline.
It concludes by setting out ten solutions which includes:
The charity believes these are necessary and realistic actions for duty bearers to take before the conclusion of The Promise. The Promise is a flagship policy during former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s tenure. Which promised to transform the children’s care system.