Basically I was an outreach worker and would typically work monday to friday with varying hours as I had to do house calls (via public transport).
One sunday I had to do a night shift (which I never did). I did get to sleep but was played a flat rate of £55 regardless of what that night involved. The worst feeling was waking up from this night shift to get a taxi to start my outreach with no break inbetween. I am thankful I didn't have my cats at the time.
How they got around it was that night shifts (sleeping) didn't count towards your contracted hours yet I was told I would be paid hourly (only reason I agreed). When I got paid I was paid the flat rate and the manager denied saying anything like that.
Fuck the care work industry, glad I don't work for them anymore.
Despite companies existing for the mentally unwell, the quality of life is still not great. Most workers are paid next to nothing AND have to pay for their own travel so it is even less than minimum all things considered. I am not justifying the actions of the quality care standard but I am saying these people need paid a lot more for what they have to do.
Hats off to all current care workers though. Bad pay, no respect and made to feel disposable. It needs fixing on both ends.